I see the family on the table

their crowns speak royalty

as my hand reads numbers

that stand without pair.

I look around the table

with bets flying around 

all based on the back designs

of every piece of paper

and the face on each player.

I know that even when

you’re dealt a bad hand

you keep your cards high,

and your head higher

because you’re the only one 

that knows that ship is sinking

when they all look afloat.