Play the Game

for Waylon Jennings

At some point it doesn't matter
if your bank account gets fatter
or you end up with the most expensive toys,
always playing at high roller
with illusions of control or
desperate attempts at mirrors, smoke and noise.

Despite all your wealth and power
you won't get another hour more
because you bought your way into the park.
Once the lights go down, it's finished;
both the stage and crowd diminish,
and we each go home alone and in the dark.

And still we play the game,
thinking that we know the score,
thinking we can beat the odds,
thinking we deserve much more.
Doesn't matter, win or lose:
they're really pretty much the same.
What's important is the way
We each decide to play the game.

Yes, the spotlight's glare is fleeting;
in the center ring, competing
for a prize that fades before you make it home,
fighting for a piece of nothing
'cause it's better sometimes bluffing
than to face it and remain a great unknown

but the time doesn't go quicker,
despite some expensive liquor
or the company of fast and fancy friends;
the same minutes turn to hours,
like seeds slowly sprout to flowers
and then die and just the same begin again.

And still we play the game,
thinking that we know the score,
thinking we can beat the odds,
thinking we deserve much more.
Doesn't matter, win or lose:
they're really pretty much the same.
What's important is the way
We each decide to play the game.

06 NOV 2006