My life playing solitaire left out laughter, no glee,
for the Joker I sought, yet the Joker eluded me.
just out of my grasp, no joke, solitaire had me beat.
I couldn’t win, yet I would not cheat,
in games of the heart, the Joker chose to remain
left out of the deck, mocking my pain.
To shuffle beyond solitude, I dealt in strides,
yet the Joker, like joy, too often hides.
I loved to sort cards, to feel their weight,
each one a mystery, a doorway to fate,
holding them close, their secrets to trace,
as I eagerly arranged them in their place.
Two cards too many, so, to play with the Joker
I had to gamble with chance, try my hand at poker
but I was no good, I never knew when to fold,
the bluffing, the chance, left me out in the cold.
I should have stuck with Solitaire
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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