The Joker in the Pack.
Low lamp shines down….
The gambling begins.
The cards are dealt
The sweat is moist,
The money mounts.
A car is often lost……
Perhaps a house?
And with a sanguine smile
The Quiet Man sits gambling.
Aloof and taciturn
His unlit cigar yet to burn.
Serene and Buddha like,
as if he holds an Ace High Flush,
He plays his hand….throws in
Five hundred crisp fresh notes.
and adds a thousand bucks.
The air is tense and jittery
and many eyes shoot round the room
like frightened terrapins.
The Quiet Man is new to them…
He bluffs they think…
and raise the bid...
Dry spittle on the lips…and then…
The Quiet Man throws down his hand
He laughs. And mocking laughs.
A Jack. A Ten. A Three and Fives !
He rises up and bows.
And leaves the room without
a backward glance..
Who was that man?
The Best Hand said.
Who raised the stakes so high for me?
I’d like to shake his hand
and tip my brim….. Light that cigar for him !
Kristine Byrne 2020