he played his cards
so close to his vest
that the queen of hearts
burned a hole in his chest 

she spent too much time
tightly lashed to the mast
on a ship of fools
borne back into the past 

gambling and losing
anchored or sailing
wide-eyed and snoozing
laughing or wailing
choices
consequences
changes 

now things have slowed down
rough edges smoothing
with time to look around
stronger arms for soothing 

no going for broke
no hell or high water
a wheel from a spoke
fresh ink for the blotter 

playing and winning
unbowed and unflinching
awake and alert
all things in ascension
decisions
outcomes
variations