All Out

He stares expectantly
I knocked, I say
The dealer’s gaze remains the same
I say, I’m knocking now
Eyes on me, he still waits
His right hand hovering
Above the deck
Deciding winners and losers
I’m knocking, I say again
Wonder if maybe he’s gone deaf
Or if I think I’m saying the words
But my speech is only
Silent as a prayer
His watching wears me down
I say, I’m all out
I have nothing left
He smiles this time
A nod of knowing
He goes to the next
My knock finally heard
As the one on the right 
Says he’s all in
So I’m forced to fold
Passed on
Left behind