To stick or not to stick that is the question.
The head says to but deep inside this urgent
urge declares it’s fine; just one more card,
that’s all, just one, what harm can one more do?

And so you nod. The dealer starts to turn
and as they do the world contracts and centres
on his hovering hand. Sound stops. He flips
and as he does your flitting heart does too.

Shock waves. The slow-mo thud resounds across
the table as the heavy card descends.
To stick or not to stick that is the question;
it seems I learnt too little much too late.

Fun social evening at church tonight playing, and losing, Flip7.
(26.03.26)

© Ben Quant 2026
Photo by Sergi Viladesau on Unsplash