STRIP POKER - The invitation room was dimly lit With a very subtle yet illuminating glow. The blackened decks of cards were stacked And then she said, "it's time to start the show." "Have a seat, my friend." I sat as the leather chair caressed my skin. I watched her eyes sparkle in the lighting. And she offered me a devilish grin. I studied her unrelenting beauty, Unlike anything I had ever observed. Her jet-black hair framed a dangerous face. Her mischievous smile made me a bit unnerved. I knew I was on her turf. Even worse, not knowing a single rule. I knew I wasn't the first nor would be the last Of whom she'd turned into a simple fool. Her eyes, they changed colors in the light, Mostly red, but sometimes pinkish hue. Angular cheekbones surrounded a perfect smile. Her skin was perfectly unblemished, it's true. She had offered me a drink from the bar, A proposal of fortune to tempt the fates. "A simple game of chance, a game of cards," Is what she said awaits. Her perfect hands with slender fingers, They were capped by nails of black. The first cards hit the table. And I knew there was no turning back. "One hand, strip poker," she whispered. Her eyes sparkled as she gave me a wink. I played it cool as I gave her an approving nod. I took a sip of my flawless drink. The rum was savory and sweet. The black bottle had a skull and palm tree. It had the perfect flavor of biting spice. She said, "won this from a pirate in 1663." My blood ran ice-cold through my veins As I stared into her mysterious eyes. I smiled and nodded and took another sip, Wondering who was behind this disguise. As the cards were played, I didn't tip my hand or give away a thing. And I knew she had no chance to win When she dealt me my fourth king. We turned over the first four of five, My fourth card revealed my near perfect hand. I watched a subtle smile dance on her lips, "I hate to tell you, but this is going just as planned." I turned over my diamond king confidently, Then watched the unraveling start. She played her fifth card and smiled, Turning over a shining queen with a heart. The cards came to life And in the moment, I felt a cold rush. "Sorry, my dear, but as you know, Your four kings won't beat my queen-high straight flush." There was no winning with the king of diamonds. I had now lost complete control. And this mysterious queen of hearts, She had just stripped me of my soul. She arose from her seat and approached, She whispered, "There's no one on my level." Her laughter echoed and she kissed my cheek. "It's why you don't play games with the devil." - JB, 15SEP2K24
#poem #poetry #sillyonasunday #havingfun #poker #thedevil
Great imagery!
Great poetry John! I love the clever twist at the end—“it’s why you don’t play games with the devil” 😈 A caution of temptation. Nice!