What Happened When His Luck Ran Out?
Lit Up — November’s Prompt: 55er
If it wasn’t almost Thanksgiving, he wouldn’t have been there.
But it was a time for family, forgiveness, gratitude.
For open hearts and loved ones returning home.
For warm, festive gatherings. Eating too much.
Pumpkin and cranberry, sweet potato pie.
Candles and holly, pine wreaths.
And, there he was.
Drew the Ace,
Poor turkey.
Yum.
“Betcha.”
“Bet what?”
“Your soul, dummy.”
“Stop kidding around, Chick.”
My brother didn’t get it.
You play the hand you’re dealt.
“Alright, then,” he says. “Ante up, bud.”
I lay my cards on the table — straight.
“Ten high. Beat that.” He lays down a flush.
“Ace high, baby bro.” Dead man’s hand. Just my luck.
Colonel say his horse as black as the devil’s weskit.
Comet, he run good, but my Maybelle run better.
Show him what a sharecropper’s nag can do.
Bets on cards like his foolish daddy.
Gamble…
