Around the table the tension rising,
Wages mounting, emotions tantalising,
My short count informs I’ve not won in ages,
But just like that my form improves carrying me into the later stages,
For this is poker a game of kings,
Its style mirrors roundabouts and swings,
The turn puts me out; the river drags me back,
My luck I ride as I count up my stack,
With big slick in front of me and my opponent looking thin,
This could well be my chance to call him all in.