Winning

Woke up quick, ‘round about noon,

Sun creepin’ in through the blinds of my room.

Feelin’ that itch, yeah, I knew the tune,

Casino lights callin’, better get there soon.

Phone blowin’ up, friends hittin’ my line,

“Where you at? Let’s roll, it’s about that time.”

But I’m broke as a joke, pockets runnin’ on fumes,

Dreamin’ of jackpots and them coin-filled rooms.

Pulled on my shoes, hit the door in a rush,

Prayin’ today that the slots show love.

Played a few hands, man, luck wasn’t kind,

Every spin dead, losin’ nickels and dimes.

Started thinkin’, “Damn, maybe time to leave,

Can’t chase smoke when the night’s gotta breathe.”

But just as I rose, somethin’ caught my sight,

Change on my game, like fate in the night.

Dropped back down, said, “Let’s give it a try,

One more spin, win or lose, ride or die.”

Reels lit up, colors flashed insane,

Hit the bonus round on a nickel game.

I laughed out loud, thought, “What a waste,

A five-cent bet? Man, this ain’t my taste.”

But then that screen turned fiery red,

Machine went wild, bells rang in my head.

Spins kept comin’, I was locked in deep,

Crowd gathered ‘round just to watch that heat.

Minutes turned hours, I forgot the time,

Three hours later, I’m still in my prime.

Buckets of tickets, the credits don’t end,

Luck finally showed, felt like more than pretend.

From broke in the morning, to a king by night,

All on a nickel — man, that’s life.