TAB Epigram
We are all in the gutter
but some of us are having a flutter.
The Gambler
The gambler knows that if he somehow wins
it covers up a multitude of sins.
Strange Rain
Lightning strikes the picnic races.
Strange rain falls on sunburnt faces.
A horse stampedes against the storm.
A mob of grinning punters swarm
towards the bookies in the stands…
who cough up coin with jealous hands.
The Gambler at the Guillotine
The gambler racked up quite a debt,
but always claimed he’d pay it back.
They put a bounty on his head
and caught him at a country track.
They placed him in the guillotine,
then kindly granted one last wish.
He asked to hear the latest odds
and tipped the favourite in the fifth.
More from Damian can be read Here.
More poetry from Almanac Poetry can be read HERE
If you would like to receive the Almanac Music and Poetry newsletter we will add you to the list. Please email us:[email protected]
To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.auhome page click HERE
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
About Damian Balassone
Damian Balassone is a failed half-forward flanker who writes poetry. He is the author of 'Strange Game in a Strange Land'.
- Web |
- More Posts
Deft bunch of enjoyable verses, DB. I appreciate your light touch, as usual. I think my favourite, after an initial couple of reads, is ‘Strange Rain’, especially for its telling line ‘Strange rain falls on sunburnt faces.’
Thanks KD, always appreciate the kind words and the insight. I think these short pieces have all run before on TFA individually, but I thought they might work together in the one post.
Brilliant, Damo !!
Love it.
The fifth!
There are no atheists in foxholes. Or gamblers down to their last not offering up a prayer in a tight photo finish. “God – If you just give me this one, I’ll ………..”
Gamblers Anonymous is the only place where I found my prayers consistently answered.
As I played golf on Cup Day I contemplated what a litmus test would be for early signs of a “bit of fun” turning into a life altering problem. My conclusion was the “gambling 3 days in a row” test. There are many nuances, but it’s a sign you’re gambling to feed your dopamine needs and not your finances or fun.
A man takes a bet.
A bet takes a bet.
A bet takes a man.
Cheers Smokie, JTH. And Peter_B thanks for the link & comments, some salient points.
Love it, thanks Damian.