My Shame

Hotdogging in the dive
relating the toss.
Glassy, but thankfully, not

            in the eye.
Cognizant of the outrage.

With flurries swirling,
the group assembles.

            The hand is dealt.


                  * * *

I immediately draw the joker
and tell him I’m not there.
Hoping for the queen of hearts
I am caught in the steely gaze
of the Jack of clubs,

            until I am forced to fold.