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The Wisdom of the Aces
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The Wisdom of the Aces |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion 
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Last night I dreamt, in my fitful sleep, of all the things I sought, Of the selfish ways that characterized what my life had wrought. I dreamt of a place where games of chance demanded a higher stake, And the ante to play was paid by withdrawals from a different kind of bank. I dreamt I was walking through a casino of tables and roulette wheels, Each highlighted but for a moment, then becoming vague and surreal. Then just ahead, in its own special light, a table and chairs appeared, And the woman there, in her black velvet gown, beckoned me to draw near. She sat at the felt-covered table across from an empty chair, With a deck of cards before her, she invited me to sit there. "I notice this table is empty," I said. "What are the stakes to play?" "Nothing you haven't gambled before, and won't finally lose today." "How much do you need for my ante?" I said as I gazed on her face, Confident in my gambling abilities, ignoring the tone of the place. Her emerald green eyes held me, I surrendered to their control, "Surely you know this game by now; just a piece of your soul." I'm always looking to get ahead, no matter the terms of the deal, And I was flushed with the hidden passions that her green eyes made me feel. So, eagerly I anted a piece of my soul to receive the cards she dealt, The corners of her mouth uplifted as the first flashed o'er the felt. Lifting the corner slightly, the ace of diamonds whispered to me, "Trust in the riches you already possess, not in the ones you seek." I smiled at this sage bit of wisdom; but I gambled by opening the bet, A piece of my soul wouldn't cost much considering all I could get. The next card appeared before me, as if coming out of thin air, Bending it back only a bit, an ace of clubs greeted me there, "Trust in your soul to guide you; you'll never lose your way again," I chose my own direction and bet more of my soul on the hand. Each time I'd raised she'd pondered my bet, then, with her knowing smile, She checked the balance of my account, then added to the growing pile. "Can you really afford to play this game?" she said with a wicked laugh, Pinning me down with emerald eyes that had reduced my soul to half. The table hissed as the next card came and burned where it touched my hand, An ace of spades joined the diamond and club, but I failed to understand: "Trust the power of life to bring you joy, not in what could have been." As with the others, I ignored this advice, and added to the pot again. Though salvation lay in the cards in my hand, and in how I played this game, When I lifted my eyes to the dealer, I felt despair for my soul all the same. She held me pinned with her emerald gaze, with confidence in her eye, Though I held three aces in three cards, my spirit and throat ran dry. I licked the sweat from my upper lip as I prayed for the final ace, And the ace of hearts sailed across and rested in its rightful place. "Trust the power of love to save your soul, for nothing can buy it back," The advice it whispered fell on deaf ears; four aces can do all that. A smile teased onto my lips as I welcomed this turn in my fate, Four aces are rare and, without a doubt, worth the rest of my stake. Her emerald green eyes flashed again as she dealt the last of the hand, Whatever the card, it didn't matter, the aces alone would stand. "The bet is yours," she counseled, "Remember the stake that I've set." "I'll wager the rest of my soul," I announced, not understanding the bet. Her wistful smile reassured me as I laid the aces out one at a time, A diamond, a club, a spade, a heart. I knew that the pot was mine. She laid her straight flush on the table, with fire flashing in her eyes, "You should have folded and saved your soul, but you had other things to buy." "Now that you've nothing left to play, this game has come to its end," "You carelessly gambled away your soul, and you'll not have that chance again." I staggered away from the table, but there was nowhere else I could go, There are no suitable destinations for a man without a soul. I reflected on all the things I had before I'd foolishly paid for my hand, And realized the wisdom of the aces was now easy to comprehend. Then I awoke and sighed with relief, for it had only been a dream, The felt-covered table, the deck of cards, and the eyes of emerald green. But just before those visions died in the light of the coming day, I heard again, somewhere deep within, the wisdom of each ace. "Trust in your soul to guide you and you'll never lose your way again." "Trust the power of life to bring you joy, not in what could have been." "Trust in the riches you already possess, not in the ones you lack." "Trust the power of love to save your soul, for nothing can buy it back." |
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| © Copyright 2003 Michael Waterman - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Hi, Karilea. I was gonna submit something about kitties, but then.... well, you know. Thanks for the wonderful welcome home. I have not been a prodigal son, but I have been away too long. |
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garysgirl  
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
 Bravo Bravo I wondered when your smiling face was going to appear, Mr. Long John. I'm really glad that you did....with an excellent choice for the book submission, so......*click*  Hugs from Ethel |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
A truly wonderful treasure of wisdom here.... a definate vote for the book!!!! Just decided this is a favorite of mine!!!! REALLY GREAT POEM!!!!!! Bridgette |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Hugs to you, too, Ethel. Thanks for your encouragement. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Trust in your soul to guide you and you'll never lose your way again." "Trust the power of life to bring you joy, not in what could have been." "Trust in the riches you already possess, not in the ones you lack." "Trust the power of love to save your soul, for nothing can buy it back." =================================== and trust in your wisdom rhymes for they are divine.  The pirate comes back into poetry land port.  Welcome home you ole kitty kicker. *L* " ... And think not, that you can direct the course of love ... |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I am so happy that your ship is back in port! You have been sorely missed by us all--and especially by Toe as he has lamented! This poem encompasses everything!---but it's greatest value is the wisdom of its inherent messages. This was an very entertaining read and the reader comes away with something very special! Warm hugs to you this fine morning! EA |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
I, too, know the power of making foolish decisions in the presence of green eyes. Loved the poem. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
It is with the utmost pleasure that I vote for this poem. It's nice to have you 'home' sir.  |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
What a wonderful piece to find this morning as I read throught the postings. Joyce |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
LngJhnAg I remember this one and it is great. You got my vote. |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
nice to see you back... and nice offering... despite what Toe and Deer say about you... you did manage to put together a fair number of words and have them make a lot of sense... they swore you couldn't do it... |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 BRAVO!!! Oh Michael, I knew you would come in with a blast, sweet friend, this is marvelous, I too don't believe in the lottery or blackjack or even that kind of luck in any instance, as the real winners are those who cherish and acknowledge they are love and to use it as the common tool! (big hugggsssssss) This is marvelous, sweet friend, yay, you have my enthusiastic vote, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
This is great writing... Wonderful... and many thanks for the pleasure it gave me to read it... Regards, Sudhir |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
FANTASTIC!!! This is sooo perfect for the book! you have my vote. Maree |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
If it takes a book to drag your hide back in here, I'll be begging Ron to keep the printing presses running constantly! LOL Now... yassure you'd rather submit this one than Toe's favorite??? ROFL!!! |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Hey, it's about time you showed up here And what an offering you've left us just when we'd thought you'd disappeared from the forums compleately! This one gets my vote, twice if I could. Some wonderful advice cast in the lines here |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
This is a winner in my books! Awesome write Mike. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
You're a winner in my book!!! |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
YES!!! Fantastic! A must for the book! ~Hugs~ ~ Trace my body with your words.. |
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KristieSue
since 2003-01-31
Posts 1460PA, US |
yeahhhhh :-) I didn't think I'd see you again. Thought maybe Toe had scared you off for some reason or another.... now where's Mom?????? HUGGLES oh, and please be nice to the kitties....pick on someone your own size :-)~ |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
longjohn...longjohn...hmmm..name rings a bell..oh, yeah!! kITTY KICKER!!!! Wecome back, sailor! This was one of my favorites of yours...ok, my only favorite..ok, then, the only one I liked... KIDDING!!!! Great to see you, Mike!  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I'm glad you chose this one... I not only don't vote for kitty kickers-- I KICK kitty kickers! watch it LJ--smile--yer talent is showing! |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
Ah glad to see one of yours here....enjoyed the read a lot Charisma |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Oh Yeah... I DO miss my kitty-kickin' pal... So glad you found your way here, Mike... Loveya.. Give Lorelei a hug for me...  |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Dear FRiend I love the poetry in your game of life This is superb! Liz |
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aries_luv_ppl Senior Member
since 2001-09-20
Posts 1448Universal Mind |
This is meaningful and I love the quotes. Vote in! ~Every girl has a dream within. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Soulful write, one for the book. Oh Yes! Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
So it takes a book to ring out of you serious brilliance? I'll take it and I'll vote for it too. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
Hey there, you Kitty Kicker, you! Wonderful to see your name in blue again, and great to read you again. Hugs, ~Vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
LngJhnAg - absolutely this should be there... BC |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Long John...I may never play poker again after reading this. Very well done sir...Paul "To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you" |
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SPIRIT Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745California Desert |
Fantastic post - my vote for sure. |
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rodger_jr Junior Member
since 2000-05-16
Posts 37Glen Hope, PA |
what a tale you've told |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I sure hope this makes it to the book, Michael...so BTTT for some more good reading!!!! |
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Lorelei54 Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 458 |
I think this ought to go in the book... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Lor: I agree. *S*  |
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WhiteRose Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208somebody's dungeon |
Well, and here's another one. Is this one that was lost? I guess I should have scanned that list more carefully. Forgive me, dear friend, I truly thought I'd voted on this already. But, it was well worth the read again, and *click* it gets my vote.  |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
You've got my vote, dear one! Cor |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
All of you are so very kind. Thank you for reading and responding as you have. [This message has been edited by LngJhnAg (03-21-2003 03:05 PM).] |
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DawnG
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494United States |
It wouldn't be a Passions book without one from you LngJhnAg Dawn |
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Justbleu Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329Oregon, Originally From Alaska :) |
Bump..... |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Sir LJS... A most excellent piece! The length worthy of the story told and the message given. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all. I bow to you and yours with vote in hand. |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
Hi LongJohn, hey, who's the Prodigal Son himself? OMG, this was sooo goood...an utterly delightful read without compromising on the food for thought..what a way to reach out to complacent idiots like me who adhor preaching...  this assuredly belongs in the book...i will be very sorry if this doesn't make it |
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pjtalty Member
since 2002-07-17
Posts 111W.A., Australia |
An enjoyable, intriguing, inspirational read from *go* to *whoa*! The build up to the final part was creatively and cleverly done and the final stanza was a perfect ending in literary terms. Your Muse was full of fire when it slid this one into your creative imagination. Top marks! Patrick Talty |
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Youngatheart Member
since 2003-12-30
Posts 333 |
I thought I would bring this back to the top as my favorite of all time. LongJohn is an awesome writer and maybe by bringing back to the top and reposting his work, we can encourage him to put his pen to paper once again. Miss you, LJ. Youngster |
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