navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #46 » Chance Encounter
Open Poetry #46
Post A Reply Post New Topic Chance Encounter Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon

0 posted 2010-12-30 01:56 AM


Under the eagle eye behind her
the card went into the slot
and he prompted the play.

Perpetual noise jangled,
whirring images, cymbols bangled
across the screen, ubiquitous splay.

The numbers tumble down, stay
for another spin, hope without
a prayer that luck will begin

With a new bet, jaw stoic
and stout, seeking one machine
and a better aura to flout.

One dollar, and then fourteen,
the woman seated next eyes the screen.
He pushes the button marked "cashout."

Moves away, for luckier sway,
and the watcher moves in,
convinced she's got a sure payout

In an abandoned hot spot...
odd, white slips cloned for green,
pale tongue of cold hearted machine.

© Copyright 2010 Klassy Lassy - All Rights Reserved
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
1 posted 2010-12-30 02:48 AM


Man have I seen that look on every hopeful winner pulling the one-armed-bandit. Of course, now it's just a constant push of the button in the hopes of riches. I stay far away from those beasts. I prefer the slow play of 21. Your poem captured the scene well.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
2 posted 2010-12-30 03:09 AM


Amazing capture...though I have never played, it feels as if I`m there. I love the last line!

A

Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
3 posted 2010-12-30 04:28 AM


I do not enjoy the casinos.  The people look like animated statues, and the atmosphere is so heavy and stale.  I was in one today, and wished I hadn't gone.  ~K
XGarapanX
Senior Member
since 2008-06-19
Posts 1435
Antarctica
4 posted 2010-12-30 06:43 AM


Wow. And yes, I have never set foot in one. This is an empty and fruitless endeavor in my view, though I can understand the occasional black jack or poker play can be based on the challenge and not on the lust or desire for wealth, but it is not for me.

·´~`·­»Garapan«­·´~`·

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
5 posted 2010-12-30 08:12 AM


I am not caught up in the nationwide glutton for the video poker, but I know people who are. They borrow money on their next paycheck and by the time the check comes they owe so much they have to start borrowing even sooner. Soon they decided it isn't feasible to pay back certain money and go on the the next "lender" for the cash in which to feed the insatiable friggin' machines. Nice work, Klassy.

To mimic is a form of praise unless
you have no thoughts of your own

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
6 posted 2010-12-30 10:48 AM


ms kl...now you see why I left Vegas years ago..it was like dead people were robbing the graves of each other..great capture ms
Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
7 posted 2010-12-30 04:32 PM


Your comments are right on to the atmosphere.  I am considered naive among my family and some of my friends for my reaction to these places, but there is a kind of coldness there that is detrimental to the spirit.  I too, know people who would haunt those establishments as the lines deepen in their faces and their eyes loose all luster, and what they have is never enough.  Breaks my heart, because money can't fix it, even if they were to win.

Dark, I went to Reno once.  I wandered around feeling alone and stifled. I can't describe it better than you did!  ~K  

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
8 posted 2011-01-02 05:15 PM


Great writing Klassy you hit the nail right on the head!

Eric

ain't doin nothin at all just answerin the call
and kinda driftin away from it all

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #46 » Chance Encounter

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary