What more could I say than... Nominated? True genious workings from the heart

I so get this dude.

When I was young I used to gamble on machines a lot, usually in pubs when I was on a night out.

Back then beer was way cheaper but I could still blow a fortune in one night.

I would be paid on a Friday and broke by Sunday. I've never been to one of these high street gambling shops or even a bookmakers. (Apart from the national once a year). The adverts on TV make me sick.

When the fun stops stop? It should say never start.

You even have the likes of Ray Winston endorsing them.

Absolutely shocking!

As for your poem. It's fantastic. A master class in rhyme and the subject matter and your thoughts on it are conveyed perfectly.

Well said you and a well deserved nomination.

Craig

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-

This is how genius work. Wow im learning alot.

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!

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

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)