5 in a row

5 IN A ROW



It started out as innocent fun,

I threw in a dollar and guess what? I won!

I should have got up and wallked away,

but anticipation and adrenalin forced me to stay.



I played and I played, I didn't want it to end.

This flashing machine became my new best friend.

No need for food, or toilet breaks,

I chose to ignore the muscular aches.



The aim was to get the five symbols in rows,

Time was no problem, this place didn't close.

I did walk away every now and again,

but that was to visit my banks ATM.



Each time I came back with more money to burn,

my bank balance being of little concern.

The whistles and lights were now all I could see,

doing their job well in hypnotising me.



I played like a champ at a grand final game,

I felt so important, the staff asked my name.

They offered me drinks and food from a tray,

and because I was special their was no need to pay.



I thought I noticed some light near the door.

There were no clocks so I couldn't be sure.

Surely that couldn't be the light from the sun?

anyway who cares right? As long as it's fun.



I continued my quest in this timeless place,

until it hit me, like a slap in the face.

It was my next trip to the auto teller machine.

I became physically sick, my face turning green.



Oh no what have I done,

I spent all my savings, now my balance is none.

I had so much money, how could this be.

How the hell did I do this to me.



I started to panic and lose some control,

and thought about the change I use for the toll.

I rushed to my car and looked for any cash I could find,

I wished I could set my clock back to rewind.



I found two dollars, then three and then four,

I figured that was enough to get back to before.

All I needed was five in a row,

yes I could do it, if I bet smart and bet low.



And as I started to rush back to that evil place,

I realized what I had left was one saving grace.

That was to leave now, go to sleep and forget.

And then not to dwell, no thoughts of regret.



So thats what I did and I never returned.

That day now a memory, of a life lesson learned,