Mostly shills or marks, there’s something wrong with the world today…

Three Card Monte
by Michael Romani

We see it play out on the street
Where each of us should gladly greet
Our neighbors not as strangers but friends
God knows where it all eventually ends

They stack us into separation
Drive us into clouded desperation
Us or them, them or us held with glam
Most of us unwittingly fall for the scam

You need to see things for what they are
You can't guide your life from a false star
But by the twin forces of God and reason
Allowing their guidance in all of life's seasons

You can't win from losing 
No matter how it seems choosing 
The voices heard are confusing
Ours is but acceptance or refusing

The only way to win it not to play
Dealt the hand, we must stay
The only way not to lose so they say
Is to refuse to give it any play

Tapping there with a crossed bone tick
Looking to find the lady in a three card trick
All around shills pour fuel on the fire
Playing with a dreamer's heart filed with desire

An increase given in false confidence
Seemingly as given to way by Providence
Shouted out in it's dalliance
Shrewdness takes the hue of brilliance

The only way to win is not to play
Dealt the hand, we must stay
the only way not to lose so they say
Is to refuse this con any sort of play

(c)  January 29, 2019   Michael Romani
All Rights Reserved