Ingrid is the host for Poetics at the d’Verse Poet’s Pub. She asks us to take inspiration from birds of the corvid family. I immediately thought of family card nights. My father’s parents were avid Rook players, and eventually, we all got in on the game. Fun times on a Friday night. In case you don’t know about this game, I’ve linked a brief explanation here. I may be a while flying by all the great responses, but I’ll glide over tomorrow if I don’t get by tonight. Join us in an aviary exploration.
I grew up in a rookery,
jovial den of card playing,
bill fondling,
and side-shufflin’.
The real skill was
having the bird at the deal,
or convincing the building
your bluff was real.
How many tricks for you?
How many tricks flew
‘fore mating season was through?
A single caw from maw and
she takes the nest,
pair bonds strong she calls
“I got the rest!”
Chairs slid amid grumphs,
from the uncles and the aunts.
Storytelling is the law
when you grow up in the
Rook bird’s claw.
© 2022 | K.Hartless
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
Brilliant!
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Thank you, Carol. 😊
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Love it, K. Awesome piece.💕
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Thank you so much, Grace. 💜
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My pleasure, dear K.💕
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absolutely delightful, such a fun take on the topic!
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Thank you, Kate. It was easy to play with the game and the wild game here, as well as mix in some childhood memories. I can’t wait to read all the other bird pieces this afternoon.
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yes, d’Verse sure get a great variety of submissions … make us smile!
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Agreed.
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I love this glimpse into your childhood memories!
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Thank you, Ingrid. Yes, it was always a raucous good time. Great theme.
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Fantastic!! I love the rhythm and rhyme.
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Thank you. An impulses write so I’m glad it had a pulse. 😂
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Fun memories. Card playing was a staple in our house too. A lovely revisiting , K.
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Love!!!
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This is absolutely lovely work done, K! 😀 Yes, the real challenge is convincing the other that your bluff is real ❤️❤️
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Thank you. It was true. And my grandmother was tops. Truly unbeatable at Rook. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Love this, K.Hartless! “bill fondling” and “side-shufflin’.” 😀 I so enjoyed all your descriptions, the rhyme, the quick jump from moment to moment and the way it ends, wonderful ❤
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Thanks, Sunra. It’s been a long time since I played Rook, but I remember those rowdy nights. 😁
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This is an interesting story to share. I love how you described the game – I have not played this.
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Wow, great story through this poem!
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Thank you. It’s the sort of thing you just can’t make up.
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Wonderfully done. I grew up playing Rook as well. Great memories.
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Oh wonderful. Yes, I’d like to teach my children when they’re older, but there’s no way to bring back these mountain nights. The river roaring outside covered up by the family totally immersed in their card game. It was a big honor to finally be able to play at that table.
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How fun this is, K. It reminds me of watching my grandparents and parents play pinochle growing up. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
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Didn’t realise this had passed me by. Very lively descriptions here – sounds like fun for the whole family! ❤
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Thank you, Tom. Yes, a rambunctious group, and deadly serious about cards. I enjoyed the excitement as a child and then as a player. I do miss those summer nights.
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I don’t think I ever played rook but it is a great take on the prompt
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Thank you. It’s a fun little game of trickery and bluffing.
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Fantastic, K!
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Thank you.
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Love this!
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