The gambler lost that day on his deck of cards.
He lost to fate by slim chance for survival.
They say, speed and luck are brothers
to a pair of hands knowing the trick. To hide
and conceal a loser’s streak while
at the bargaining table. The game goes on
and there’s no other way but win.
He need to come back for another try.
It’s another night playing jack against
the king. He will have to pawn his aces.
And he owes the world of the hours
he let passing by without noticing.
Isolated by fixation to win his conquests
by which probability of mathematics
and shrewdness, his potent weapon.
Pre-occupation. He tries to recover his losses
by the number of risks and repeats. He stabs
on chances and chases even more. It’ll never stop
until he is squeezed to the bone analyzing
his moves to that glorious escape. Big time.
And he believed- eventually he will make or break.
For him, to live is to win the game by the numbers.
The gambler lost that day on his deck of cards.
No bailout. No tolerance. Just lost his control,
when speed and luck became his greatest traitor.
Solitude Amidst the Maddening Crowd
The so called film experts that pan this movie just dont understand the life of a gambler. This movie is an excellent study of a compulsive gambler and his road to self destruction. James Caan is outstanding as the tragic Axel Freed and the supporting cast is even better. The emotional roller coaster ride of a compulsive degenerate gambler is shown from the ultimate high of winning to the rock bottom low of losing and is portrayed superbly by Caan with a stellar performance.This movie was extremely well written,directed and acted and is flawless in its presentation from beginning to the end. The climatic ending where Axel takes the ultimate gamble risking his life is brilliant. There has never been a more realistic look at a lost soul gambler and the effect it has on friends and family. This is a rare gem of a movie that was way ahead of its time. A must see for anyone that appreciates a true to life gritty story, great performances and not some Hollywood big budget nonsense that is routinely served up today.
hi sugel,
thanks for your incisive comment on the emotional degeneration of a gambler. i have yet to see the film which you have mentioned starring james caan. and thank you for reading the poem. all the best.