Why

Mesmerised by spinning animations
mixed colours of the rainbow
angels, hearts and magical creations
the price is high
for that fleeting, winning feeling
passion runs dry
as greed encapsulates the soul
smoke fills the body
no match for the coal
the price is high
for the loss of the soul

(6/8/99 on poker machines)

Into the machine

Most mornings the Lebanese security guard greets her
Shalom!
Her face lights up
turning on poker machines
nostalgia sneaks in
Gliding through game parks
spinning zebras disappear
behind the smoky mist of gamblers

She's called to pyramids
her pager echoing Cairo's horns
'It took my money!' 'The green queen!'

She sings with longing
for all to hear,
but they remain oblivious
as keno numbers crowd television screens
'$10,000 has been won!'
whinging prevails...

She stops,
smiles to herself as they
spend the money she saved
to transform computer graphics
and travel into the machine


(I wrote this in 1999 whilst working in an RSL Club)