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The Spinning Wheel
| Open Poetry #1 |
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The Spinning Wheel |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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The crowd had slowly gathered 'round the table of roulette To watch the stranger standing there who'd won fourteen straight bets. Fourteen bets without a miss! They'd never seen it done! The mounting chips that he had won looked like they weighed a ton. The rest of the casino floor lay still - deserted there. The slot machines were silent and the poker tables bare As word had spread throughout the room of that tall stranger's run The gamblers came from everywhere to join in on the fun. I was there - just one small child -my first trip into town. I never would have had the chance if sitters had been found, But there I was, to dad's chagrin and momma's proud delight To be a small participant on that amazing night. His chips were growing steadily as he won two bets more. Another one! And then-again! The large crowd roared and roared! Eighteen! Nineteen! He went on, his fortune growing fast. Each gambler there was wondering how long this run could last. Then, suddenly, the stranger stood and took a sip of gin, Then pushed the stacks of colored chips way out in front of him. He said,"I'm growing tired, my friends. Here's what I'm gonna do. I want to bet the whole amount on number 42." The crowd was stunned! Was this man mad to do what he had done? The rules say when you're way ahead you take the cash and run. But he just smiled out at the crowd - another sip of gin - Then motioned in a lazy wave to let the wheel spin. The only sound for miles, it seemed, came from that spinning ball. It echoed through the corridors and sounded down the hall. Still, round and round the spheroid flew. When all was said and done The silver marble came to rest on number 41. The large crowd quickly dissappated, sadly shaking heads, Back to seeking flushes, placing chips on blacks and reds. The stranger stood there - who could know how bad this man must feel! He tipped his cap in wry salute toward the spinning wheel. He saw me standing, watching him. He looked at me and smiled. He said, "You'll find a lesson here although you're just a child. No matter how you live your life, you'll never truly feel Until you wager all you have on one spin of the wheel." So many years have long since passed from that casino night. So many years to realize the stranger had been right. My life is a successful one - few ups but fewer downs, Reason, not emotions, keep my feet on solid ground. I take what life may offer and I never take a chance, Not in my work, not in my home, not even in romance. I should be happy with myself, but how I really feel Is the urge to put it all against just one spin of the wheel. My chips are on the table. I'm as ready as I'll get But, now that I am willing, there's no one to take my bet. The tables have been long since closed till now, at last, I see That there are no more spinning wheel chances left for me. So late in life I realize the chances that I've missed. Instead of wagering on life, I just chose to exist. Don't be like me. Go live your life with vigor, zest and zeal, And take opportunity to play that spinning wheel. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 03-19-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Very true, I truly enjoy these "little" snippets.  ------------------ I am not responsible for how you choose to interpret what I say. |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
How can you say these words I see? How could you lead me to beieve.... That someone as thoughtful and kind as you Thinks that their time is all but through? Nay! I say....in forceful tone. Your chances have not left you alone. See, life can change for you overnight... For the chance you take. You know I'm right! I did not take the chances I should And never thought I really could. One day it happened and I knew... I'd never settle.....Nor should you. So, here I'll tell you...forget your vice And listen to your own advice. Do what it is you truly feel And attack that silly spinning wheel! [This message has been edited by Sally S. (edited 07-05-99).] |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
'Tis a good game, roulette...... You Bet!!  |
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Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
Brilliant. It reminds me of a Bob Dylan song. Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thanks for the feedback. Sally, you are right.....of course. |
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Kelly Member
since 1999-07-03
Posts 145 |
Balladeer I really love this one. I had to go looking for it. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Way cool, Balladeer. Took this one like a stiff kick in the butt. Glad it made it's way back up. Michael |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
Fun; and with an excellent message too 'Deer One |
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doreen peri Member Elite
since 1999-05-25
Posts 3812Virginia |
you've outdone yourself, m'friend reminds me of the song by Charlie Daniels Band.... Devil Went Down to Georgia... and the lines, 'I'll take your bet/ you're gonna regret/ 'cause I'm the best that's ever been'. Find someone to say THAT to you... take her up on it and you've bet the bank. loved it, my dear balladman |
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Skyfyre Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906Sitting in Michael's Lap |
Your talent with lyric poetry amazes me. I am hard pressed to come up with 4 rhyming stanzas, and you effortlessly whip out 13. Well done. ------------------ "Nunc lento sonitu dicunt, morierus" (Now as I hear this bell tolling softly for another, it says to me, "Thou must die.") |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thanks, Kelly, for digging and to all for your much appreciated comments |
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U K Hero Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 266England |
Now this I like, It has guts, charm, a smile, balls, thought and a moral. more please..... |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I can't believe how many poems there are here that I've missed. So glad this one was dug out from the archives. Once again, you have come up with an amazing poem, Balladeer. Thank you. ------------------ *Elizabeth* "Dwelt a maid belov'd and cherish'd by high and low, But with autumn leaf she perish'd, long time ago..." |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I thoroughly enjoyed this small tale! You are truly talented! ------------------ Denise |
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