A gambling awareness

by Michael   Aug 14, 2018


Upon the banks of high street shops
between the stores their anchor drops.
They cast their nets and hope to catch
the eggs of addicts soon to hatch.

The smaller-fry is what they seek
to keep afloat each turning week.
Without the kind of ones like me
their ships would sink into the sea.

Their webs are spun across our screens
Like catching flies in spinning dreams.
Twenty seconds to lose a grand
that takes a month of graft by hand.

Billboards plagued with smiles and glee
don’t be fooled i’m proof you see,
so many wounds has left its marks
from vicious teeth of gaming sharks.

We have a choice of course is true
easy to know what not to do
This of course is before you start
But once your hooked they’ll take your heart.

They say that when the fun stops. Stop
That’s only when they’ve had the lot
Leaving you with an empty pot
With you inside just left to rot!

    report violation
6


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Latest Comments

  • 5 years ago

    by Darren

    judges comment

    When I discuss with anybody the subject of 'poetry' their eyes glaze over and they immediately assume I am going to discuss Shakespeare or his ilk. What I look for in poetry is something that is relevant to today. Michael has written a brilliant, relevant and relate-able, modern piece of poetry here that not only gives us a glimpse into his own demons, but ponders the morality of the whole industry. It's poems like this that prove that poetry can be modern and can still be an important outlet. (10 points)

  • 5 years ago

    by Dagmar Wilson

    So so glad to see this nominated. I will not get in to because it will upset me and I will carry on. Hugs to you Michael and thank you for sharing

    • 5 years ago

      by Michael

      Thank you Miss Dagmar, and I am sure you would lady :) by hook or by crook I will forgive myself, hugs too X

  • 5 years ago

    by Mr. Darcy

    Well written, Michael. I've said this before, but the government has to stop this. Wealthy corporations corrupting those who can I'll afford to lose their money, homes and families. Bastards!

    • 5 years ago

      by Michael

      I totally agree Mr D, they make so much revenue through websites and gaming terminals, it outrageous. many bookmakers set up in low income housing estates, as they know that's where the most vulnerable live. Bastards indeed!!

  • 5 years ago

    by P o e m e l o

    This is how genius work. Wow im learning alot.

    • 5 years ago

      by Michael

      Thank you Poemelo, we are always learning :)

  • 5 years ago

    by Brenda

    Michael, a very cautionary tale that you know first hand. Addiction comes in many forms and more than one person has been sucked in it and paid the price too. Well done with this-

    • 5 years ago

      by Michael

      Absolutely Miss Brenda, its a crying sham! thank you for comments :)x

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