Full House

May 23, 2026 Poet:‍ Shona Allen ‍Artwork: Gamblers by Karla Holland-Scholer

Full House

I’ve gathered you all,

out here in space,

to bet on the Earth,

it’s losing the race.

Here to take notes,

is Felonious Snake.

He’ll keep us on track,

with so much at stake.

Called up to the table:

was a man in hazmat,

a black hooded crow, one pixie,

a tall stripe-ed cat.

No fish in the seas,

The lakes are all dry.

Gone are the trees,

it’s starting to fry.

The air’s full of smog,

not even a breeze.

Your eyes are stinging

you’re wanting to sneeze.

So, what do you say,

the Captain demands:

It’s time to play cards,

I’ll deal you some hands.

They placed their bets,

each wanting to win.

Each wanted a Straight

to save their own skin.

As the antes went up,

and the chips were down,

the pixie shook his head,

he began to frown.

It’s not about winning

or losing the game,

the Earth’s in trouble,

and we’re all to blame.

So, let’s get together.

Let’s get it straight:

stop bluffing with cards,

before it’s too late.

They all joined hands

and started to think,

how to bring the Earth,

back from the brink.