The Gambler

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 20 Jan 2018
  • 1583 reads
4 comments
 
He knows all about
thoroughbred horses
and thoroughly examines
their pedigree.
 
He looks at the courses,
judges the distances,
appraises the ‘going’
and assesses their chances.
 
He determines the speed
or the required stamina
by inspecting the lineage
of the  dam and sire.
 
His accurate analysis
is something to admire
but one ought to enquire
what his true motives are.
 
An inveterate gambler,
he hopes that the odds
will be in his favour
when he places a bet.
 
He chooses his picks
with the utmost care
but winning the jackpot
is, alas, very rare.
 
He accepts his losses
and  takes it on the chin;
he knows very well
the bookies always win.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2018
Certificate U
Poem
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Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I like the way you've written this. So much study, but still so much uncertain, the gamble – that can become so gripping, and impoverishing. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Studying the form is not much use when it come to gambling. It is difficult or impossible to evaluate with precision such imponderable factors as chance. Yet some people addicted to betting believe that they can beat the system.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Rhiannon and my thanks to the editors too for the cherries.

 

Submitted by Denzella on

Hello Luigi,

This poem resonates with me as I have two nephews who like a flutter.  Well, more than a flutter actually.  When read aloud there is a sort of rhythm that is reminiscent of a horse race in progress.  Something like the poem by W H Auden which I think is called Night Mail.  Of course, I could be talking nonsense but what the heck I enjoyed it muchly.

Moya x 

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Dear Moya,
you never talk nonsense. Your comments are always clear, incisive and to the point. Now that you point it out, I can see that it may remind one of a horse race in progress. I also notice the similarity of this poem's rhythm with that magnificent piece 'The Night Mail'. It is purely coincidental but gratifying nevertheless.
I am an admirer of John Betjeman's poetry as well of Philip Larkin's.

I hope you are keeping well.

Luigi xx