play your hand

don't tense up on me now,

all of my cards are marked

scarred from handling bent

at the edges

i'm playing several suits at once

none a perfect fit

no aces up my sleeve

don't quit don't leave

read them and grieve

i'm weary of your silence

duplicity dulling our electricity

whispers like screaming

read your hand plead your hand

bid or pass i'm faster than you think

holding my queen of hearts

with a secret message

better play your hand and hurry

now

before the queen finds her jack

and there's no turning back.

-- douglas brent smith