The Joker Poem by Matt Mooney

Note this that if and when ever I die -
(the word 'ever' I use reservedly
for we are regularly reminded
by reverend fathers at funerals
that death is one of a few certainties) ,
think of something funny to slip in
if you are saying farewell to me
in case they'd think I was too serious
or worse still to have been a bore
for you see I'm quite sure
it's the way to go - from what I know,
is to play the joker
if you have him up your sleeve
for I believe from what I remember
he could play his part and pay his way
better than any king or queen
welted down on a wooden table
with a sudden shout of victory
playing for geese or turkeys
just before the Feast of Christmas
on a winter's night in a country pub
giving off a sound like ash on ash
in an over heated local hurling match.

In poker jokers can be wild
and under his cloak of mirth and fun
can take the place of anyone
among the elite of playing cards -
though countless games they've won.