(i) The Gambler Addresses The Martingale
Said the gambler to the martingale:
You promised me a rich reward,
You are a wretch, a bacillus,
But talk is all you’ve ever done,
I’m through with you forevermore,
(ii) The Martingale Replies
You call me wretched but there’s none
You cared for naught but worldly wealth,
Your mind was on a single track,
Or blame, but you, your lust and greed,
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You’ve ruined me, you fiend;
You tricked me with a fairy tale,
And now I stand demeaned.
Instead, you stole my purse;
Your system is to be abhorred,
A pox on you, a curse!
Your heart is black as sin,
Your talk is fabulous
As is your promise of a win.
Your boast is loud and brash,
But when you’ve won,
It’s penny ante; when you’ve lost, it’s CASH!
You’ve brought me naught but strife,
Where I was modest now I’m poor,
So get out of my life.
As sick or low as you,
For our liaison was begun
Your future to accrue.
So deep were you obsessed
You paid no heed to love nor health
Nor e’en the way you dressed.
Yet lower still you sank,
Until there was no turning back,
It’s not me you should thank,
Your gullibility,
For coveting what you don’t need...
And thinking you’d be given it for free.