Poetry, Theme Prompt, Writing Prompts

One More Hand

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Written for dVerse ~ Poets Pub: Turn of Phrase –
hosted by Melissa who has asked us to write a poem of
any style or format, made up of phrases. This is my response.

Image by Me & ChatGPT

empty pockets, watered-down whiskey
three days in the same shirt ….
the usual math

this month’s rent gone
wife left, took the dog
walls the color of nothing

but the sound of chips ….
bright, hopeful click clack ….
a whole other story

quit …. sure ….
tomorrow
after the big one

NAR©2026

This is “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead

Turn of Phrase

Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.

32 thoughts on “One More Hand”

  3. I taught my classes a lesson on gambling last semester. Gambling is a huge problem here in Thailand. Just last week a distant family member committed suicide due to gambling debts. I hope my students will remember what I taught them and don’t end up stuck in this addiction.Great write 👏

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    1. I’m so sorry to hear that, Shaun. Such a shame. I knew someone who robbed a family he was working for so he could go to the casino. He ended up losing the money, losing his job, and losing whatever respect anyone had for him. It’s dreadful addiction. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it.

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    1. My husband and I like to go to the casino once in a while to play the slots for a couple of hours. I’m constantly amazed at some of the people who are practically chained to their machines and how angry they get when they don’t win. It’s sad and pathetic ….. but it can be great fun and exhilarating when things are going your way! Thanks, Jodi.

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      1. I do love the occasional Vegas trip- and I am even pretty lucky when I go- but that is the extent of my gambling. I do spend a ridicules amount of time doing it when I am there though, I will admit to that- but that is WHY I am there! hehehe

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  8. Gambling is the worst addiction, as you can lose everything in an instant. One of my friends was a big gambler soi he went to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, and someone picked his pocket and stole his wallet there.

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    1. The ultimate irony! I knew someone who was a handyman with a really bad gambling addiction. He never won and was always looking for that big payoff. One day while he was painting someone’s kitchen, he found a pile of 100 one dollar bills in a drawer. He couldn’t resist and took the money, convinced he was going to win and would be able to replace it. Luck, as usual, was not on his side. Not only did he lose the money but he lost the job, any future jobs with those people, and their respect. Sadly, he never learned his lesson.

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    1. The stitches came out Tuesday and I was fitted with a smaller, more comfortable splint which I have to wear 23 hours a day. I have a few home exercises to do, including massaging the scars to avoid scar tissue buildup; physical therapy will start March 24. My hand is stiff and quite sore but the good news is I can move my fingers! Thank you for asking, Lois. 💕

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