A Game of Jacks
In Jacks, Two, and Eights, I decided to play,
The Jack of all trades was the one I sought,
one-eyed Jack was wild, yet I went out of my way,
this card I kept chasing, yet never caught.
He’d wink from the deck with a sly, subtle grin,
I’d lay down my hand, hoping he’d play,
A promise of victory but I never could win.
Jack was elusive, always slipping away.
I thought Jack would change it, the gamble of life,
always so near, yet never in hand,
Jack was engaging yet never with wife.
A phantom, a shadow, in a debt-laden land,
all my chips were down, cards in both hands,
The game taught lessons, but Jack taught me more,
yet no touch of magic in a world of demands.
when the deck is stacked, head out the door.
A Game of Jacks
From the blog
About the Author: Sarah B. Royal
Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.
Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.
Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.
Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.
WoPoLi 
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