My Demonic Encounter

My Demonic Encounter

One day while walking along the beach in sand so damp,
I saw something shiny, realized I’d found a genie’s lamp.
I gave it a bit of a rub, it really started gleamin’
But a genie didn’t pop out, instead I’d found a demon!

“Ahh, I’m finally free, where are you human? I need to eat,”
Its voice was loud, like rumbling thunder, “Come here my fresh meat.”
I found myself trembling at the sight of this mighty being,
I was scared beyond belief, not believing what I was seeing.

I stammered out something about getting it a steak
“No!” It roared, “You are my meal, it’s you I will partake!”
My backbone turned to jelly, I thought my time had come,
Then had an idea, I stood my ground and didn’t run.

“Before you eat me shall we have a little fun?
We can play a game of cards, relax here in the sun.”
“You imbecilic human fool, don’t try to strike a deal.
I can take you at my will, and have you as my meal.”

I said, (getting bolder since I found myself still alive),
“Change yourself from energy to mass, give it a try.
Then we’ll play and relax, have a drink, a little fun.
If I win, I’m free.  You win, it’s all over, I’m done.”

“Now why should I become mortal, for this I can arrange.”
“Maybe you aren’t powerful enough to make this change?”
I was working on its ego, had no desire to be its morsel,
Against a demon, I couldn’t win, but could beat a mortal.

Suddenly in the blink of an eye, the demon disappeared,
In its place a beautiful woman, which was a bit weird.
"Shall we play now?" She said, her voice now soft and low.
"I thought a woman would distract you; I was right, I know.”

“Let’s go to my house, its more comfy than this sand.
Besides my cards are there, then we can start the first hand.”
“I would like for us to play Canasta, I love that game.”
Instead of rumbling thunder, its voice now somewhat tame.

“Tell me how you learned to play cards, demons do things like that?”
"When I’m not caged in that prison, I can wear any hat.
I’ve played every game known, for longer than you’ve been alive.”
I knew I had a challenge, for in playing games, I thrived.

We played Canasta, and though the game was close, I won.
“Okay, I’m off the hook, you may leave now kind demon.”
“Wait, that wasn’t fair, I didn’t have a chance to get warm!
Let’s play another game, I promise that you I’ll not harm.”

“How can I trust you?  You’re a demon, you’ve lost, now go.
Please leave, I’m free, after all, I did win you know.”
“One more, please!  I’ve never been beaten by a human!
I promise I will not eat you, even if you win again.”

Yes, she convinced me, so we played another game
Not canasta, but cribbage, and of course I won again.
This time she threw a fit; my heart almost stopped beating
“There’s no way you should beat me, you must be cheating!”

So we played again, this time pinochle, and she lost,
Now she was so mad that her eyes grew crossed.
We played every game known, always the same result.
But never once did I let her see me grin or exult.

Finally she confessed that she’d grown to like being with me,
And wondered if I’d consider her staying, this was her plea
She liked playing cards, even if she lost, we could do it all our life.
"And honest Your Honor, that’s exactly how I met and married, my wife."

Jim Dorrell
May 28, 2011