I have always liked card decks; the back designs, the face cards (especially the Jokers) and even the history behind them. For example, I had read the King of Hearts represents King Charlemagne. 

I imagine if the face cards could talk, the stories they could tell.

I have written several poems incorporating playing card characters. Perhaps subconsciously, I just want to give them a voice.

 

Dusting For Prince

 

8.6.2013

 

(Chorus)

I am the joker

I am wild

And the tale I weave

By no means mild

I like to spice it up

Because zing is my style

Then toss the hot cards

Right back on the pile

I am the joker

And I am wild

 

You cannot catch royalty

By dusting for prince

And though, when you check

Find a lack of evidence

Find a king in the deck

But only your fingerprints

 

Royal-less remain

No closer to Charlemagne

For it is only the king of hearts

            With a heart

But the king in this account

            Has none at the start

Least none I can account

 

A novel idea

For a novel undone

But by the time

I finish writing

You may just find one

Because…

 

(Repeat chorus)

 

Though you cannot catch royalty

By dusting for prince

I can scratch at reality

Relieve the itch to make sense

Until royal-less remain

Still even further

            From Charlemagne

The paradigm leaves you

Back where it all starts

The draw leaves you holding

The king of all hearts