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sometimes “old fatalists” are misread

especially when they are just momentarily
resting their weary bones

observing the goings-on of what’s going down

furious or funny
hostile or holy
it any case, it’s interesting to engage in viewing

so they decide
to observe experience from a distance
instead of jumping into its sea head first

though they’ll never quit swimming
or surrender and drift away into the sunset

they always dare themselves to ride the riptide
though they know there’s a lighthouse in view

the dice may not roll favorably
hearts and diamonds may not open sympathetically

yet these long-standing players are really quite triumphant
since they haven’t had their asses broken too often

or lose their entire pot in one shot

they still continue to take chances on events
others don’t even know exist

actually, their main flaw and weakness
is divulging their closest words,
ideas and dreams to others

but I don’t think they'll ever give up
trying to break through those doors

or forfeit their best to inspire

though sometimes they may have to be reminded
not to miss their turn