keep hope alive

gambling
is coming to your
town.
the hungry,
the poor
the disenfranchised
can't wait
to cash their
social security
checks
and bus on over
to the bright
lights
and bells
that jingle jangle
all night long.
cheap food
and drinks.
why not.
what are we
living for if
we can't die
on our own terms,
making
others rich
as the coins drop
into the wishing
wells.
at least we have
hope now
that the stars
will align for us
this time. we must
keep hope alive.