Here Comes Lucky

Link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkfF5u4vn5k

They say it's
the sport of kings.
I have royal
memories of being
at Santa Anita and
Hollywood Park with
my dad and brother.
As kids, we watched
some of the best horses
and jockeys in the world.
The jocks were our
tiny heroes, gladiators
in silks riding tremendous
beasts.

Dad taught us
how to bet and study
the horses.
He called it
doping the form.
I liked the show bet.
I still cashed the ticket, as
long as the horse didn't
do worse than third.
My heart still gallops when
I think of those Southern
California afternoons.

Dad used to say, don't ever
gamble what you can't
afford to lose.
I live with my brother
now in Iowa.
Dad is long gone, and so is
the shoe, our favorite jock.
There are new jockeys on
the scene.  New horses.

We drove to Des Moines, to do
some off-track betting on
the Kentucky Derby.
The pageantry is decadent.
The hats and mint juleps.
Someone sings a beautiful
version of, My Old Kentucky Home.
It was truly a sublime scene.

Now, we have to
figure out how
we are going to pay
the rent.

Author's Note

Here is a link to my limited edition book, just released.
https://booksie.chainletter.io/i/thomaswcase888

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Thomas… here in Virginia USA we have Colonial Beach with a River Boat permanently Docked on the Shore. AaaThere is off-track betting with perhaps three Horse Races on Several TV’s where Dinerss can make a Bet. It was a few Summers I will never forget. Now we are older and stay Closer to Home. ❤️ loved your Poem. Truly, Pat

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks, Pat. Such good memories.

[Marie]

Ah! What beautiful memories are woven into this very delightful poem which brings yesteryear into today. How wonderful to relive those wondrous times again and keep them alive through this poem. Your Dad (rip) taught you well, but I love the twist at the end of the poem, because it seems you did not heed his advice, Thomas :) A very charming poem and reading it I could feel the atmosphere all around me at the race course, the excitement, the joy, the pure thrill of it all. Amazing write, Thomas. SO enjoyed reading it and thank you for sharing. Lovely work!

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much, Marie. I appreciate you.

[Marie]

Most welcome always, Thomas...

[.]

An infinitely relatable poem and experience for me, Thomas. Same kind of experiences enjoyed, just on the other side of the world in the land down under.

No Kentucky Derby here but plenty of Derbies, Oaks, Slippers and those WFA charges of the best in the business. Willie Shoemaker was a damn good jockey and just one of many greats worldwide that hugged the pigskin at 80kms an hour.
There is nothing like the Sport of Kings, for despite its name, even the common man can get his thrills from it.

A very enjoyable poem for me. A glimpse into my own childhood and days that remain ongoing.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, such great memories. Once at Santa Anita, I watched an old Asian man watch the replay of the race he just lost on...He yelled, F***a you, Pincay. lol Great memories.

[Ayvid N]

This made me smile. I think I understand the betting. I'd do it too. Life is too short not to bet. A great poem Thomas. I loved reading all that you shared here.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much—such good memories.

[Neville]

isn't there a saying goes like .. well you made ya bet .. now you gonna have to hawk ya bed to pay for it .. or summat .. I have never bet on anything, sometimes I wish I had .. enjoyed the ride tho' & back again .. N

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks for the read and comment. Good memories.

[Neville]

..................... You bet 👍