The Winning Hand
In the dimming garden
beneath the belt of Venus
fingers grip a bottle
a nightcap alone
Finally, I belong
finally, I belong to someone
how I’ve run from this
for so long
Now, nothing makes me happier
nothing makes me feel more sure
of anything
than knowing that you’re waiting
There were so many jokers
in the deck
the two of hearts, too many cards
and still dealing, still dealing
The night air’s tinged by a new chill
September’s signature
autographing my bare arms
but I barely feel it
Let me stay by your side
through winter months
and country walks
through rain and sleet
and fog
I used to hold nothing in my hand
look at the empty shape it made
wondering if there was something missing
something
that should have belonged
only me
I should have belonged
to something
to you
I sit down into the wicker chair
look across the valley below
the sky is closing in the distance
darkness gloves the globe again
How could I
even for a moment
have doubted
I held the winning hand
all this time
How could I
even for a second
doubt that
I held the winning hand
all along...
Ruth O'Reilly
Fri 4th Oct 2019 14:40
I love the romantic slant to the playing cards theme here, too many jokers, 2 of hearts and the winning hand at the end. Also 'September's signature, autographing my bare arm' was a line really enjoyed.