Love in the Numbers

Love in the Numbers

there's more love
in the numbers
than there is
in most people

there's more honesty
in the odds 
than there is
in most people

the odds
though emotionless
and unforgiving
are fair

the odds
tell the truth
about how much
you're gonna win
or lose

the odds
up on the board
unlike most people
are always
full of promise

the odds
with their rules
might drive you
penniless
but never
insane

the odds
in their fairness
will never
break
your heart

the odds
are never
sycophantic

the odds
without minds
without emotions
never fearful
never curdling
by turning
to gods
leaders
or causes
for salvation

the odds
so straightforward
never
twist
or torment
your mind
or heart
for their own
perverse
pleasure
or base
needs

the odds
unlike the ego
once locked in 
on a ticket
are solid
and stable
requiring
nothing

the odds
up on the board
never coerce
a sucker
into a bet

the odds
are just there
allowing you
to make 
the move

the odds
may be fickle
until
you've 
locked
the wager

the ecstasy
of a win
the gift
from the dispassionate odds
is the rarest
of genuine
joys

the odds
don't lie
merely reflect
probabilities
of games
with rules
more fair
than the rules
of most people

the odds
the numbers
let you know
exactly
how and why
you lost

there's no question
with the odds
when it's all said and done
why you feel
the way
you do

the odds
the numbers
reward
and punish
justly

the numbers
seduce
entice
and entertain
with clear conditions
and simple
outcomes
of wins or loses

the numbers
don't turn stale
unless you
allow them
to

the odds
reflect
deep
worldly
mechanisms

the numbers
the odds
don't betray

it's why
so many
sit
at the poker table
the roulette wheel
the slot machine
deep into night
alone
except for a cigarette
a drink
or a dealer
knowing
the odds
in their game of choice
are in their favor
far better 
than with most
people

the odds
and their games
can destroy
but they're more honest
than the ruin
brought about
by people

the joys
and loves
from the odds
the stars
whatever turns
of whatever cards
is more fair
more honest
more real
than most other joys
and most
other loves
from most
of the other
things