Poker Night Poem by James Timothy Jarrett

Echoes from the past

Bounced off of dim, tobacco stained walls

Make their way

Into my room

Poker chips and laughter

Clinking and choking

Just as happy

As the room full of family

It chases the darkening night

And childhood fear

Like whispering smoke

It's breathed from the dragons 'round the table

Downing whiskey and stories

Laughing

Not knowing

But singing sweet lullabies

In the dark

Singing down the hallway

Sweet goodnight