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.
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
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
rally well put together nancy the poem is wonderful as all of yours are! 😄😄
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You are always so generous and kind, CA. I truly appreciate that. Thank you.
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You capture this addiction well with the clipped phrases Nance and good old Lemmy’s track is perfect!
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Thanks Ange! Once I figured out what I was doing, I had fun!
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🙌
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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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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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Oh no! And she took the dog. Well, maybe the dog is better off…
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Yes, I think so. Who knows …. he might have sold the dog for gambling money! 💰
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Sadly Sis that’s just the way it is 💜💜💜
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It’s a dreadful disease, sis. Thank you for your thoughts. 💜
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It a nightmare ..
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Sadly, tomorrow never comes. I like going to the races now and again, but I’m always very strict with myself when it comes to betting!
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I’m the same way when I’m playing the slots. We have to be or we’d be penniless. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, my friend.
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I am thankful every day this is one addiction that passed me by! So well done!
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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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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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😂 I have a routine I follow whenever I win and I never deviate from that which is why I always walk away with money in my pocket. If I didn’t, I’d probably be broke.
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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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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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By the way…how is your hand doing? In a cast yet?
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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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Dig this one!
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Thanks, Ron. I had fun with this one.
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The hook is in too deep, and the sinker drags the bait even deeper …
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Thank you, dear Ivor. I’m starting to like this group very much! 🥰 🎶
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Yeah, I’ve been following them for years 🎶🥰
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The number of groups, especially local ones, that you are familiar with is staggering! I really enjoy discovering new music through you. Thank you, my dear friend. 🥰 🎶🌏
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Always my pleasure my dear friend … basically I write a lot, I don’t watch TV, and while I’m writing I listen to music 🎶🎶📖🎶📘🎶📖🥰
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For a gambler, there always the next hand, the next play and the next win.
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Absolutely right. They are addicts. Thank you, Sadje.
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Unfortunately, they are
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