The Cards

The Joker

Once upon the past, the evil Joker lived.

His pranks caused madness, while he silently thrived.

Confined to a bed, he was drugged, so he slept.

Or so people thought – but outside he stepped.

Oh joy of joys, the Joker thought.

So many lives ruined, and yet he was not caught.

For he was too clever, too evil, too cunning.

His reward for capture kept coming and coming.

But he still remained free from the hands of soldiers,

Who wanted him dead for the crimes he shouldered.

The Joker always laughed before he told himself to flee,

“What ludicrous thinking! You can never catch me!”

A convincing smile; another soul dead.

This little Joker escaped from his bed.

He took his flower and the door quietly closed,

No-one knew of it, but in his hand held a rose.

The mystic rose, its petals so fine,

Has thorns so sharp, can render you blind.

So sleep, my dear, sweet dreams to you

But just remember, this old folk tale is true.

The Ace

Next upon a future, the Ace of cards roamed.

Many don't know, but before the queen, he was throned.

A king of kings, or so rumours spread.

Because he strived for peace – the evil did he behead.

But he wears a mask – something he hides behind.

For he is a paradox, not at all divine.

A sweet, kind smile had his people manipulated,

To believe who he wasn't; a false picture illustrated.

His other face remained hidden,

Sleeping inside him, never beridden.

But then only to his family did he show

His prideful manner; his family left in woe.

Then came the Queen, beautiful and strong.

She took the throne from Ace, saying “You don't belong.”

The Ace went mad, powerless and defeated.

Slowly, he repent and for his forgiveness he pleaded.

And so the Ace pledged his service

With the Queen's order, he became her trusted servant.

The Ace remained of higher status than his men,

But was never compared to royalty again.

The Queen

Then upon a time, a just Queen ruled.

She overtook the Ace and the crown was bejewelled.

Her raven hair fell over her dress of silk wool,

She was, without a doubt, the country's most beautiful.

The Queen's rule flourished, as she led her country well.

And when subjects were upset, she cast her magic spell,

“Why do you sigh? Do not try to forget.

Just smile and try, there will be no regret.”

But no matter how good a ruler was she,

The country's people had hoped for a 'he'.

Loved by her people, yet she had no ring –

For what the kingdom awaited was a King.

This Queen had knowledge, yet a king had power.

She was smart, yet weak – a delicate flower.

So in secret, the people planned to rebel,

Against the Queen, for her weakness had cast her shell.

She wept and wept as her people turned,

The windows cracked; the Queen's banners burned.

And so she bravely admitted her flaw,

The chosen King took the throne, the Queen forced to withdraw.

The King

Forever for the future, the King wore the crown.

He married the Queen, but wore a puzzled frown.

He thought to himself, “This lady is pure as a dove,

But I will only rule with my one true love.”

So he searched and searched for his to-be bride,

And never to the Queen did he confide,

That he was looking for her replacement.

She was not prepared for her sudden debasement.

The King brought home a lovely young girl,

Whose manners were flawless; her eyes shone like pearls.

She was loyal and trusted, and her heart was kind,

But deep inside, something nagged the King's mind.

True, this girl was righteous and fair,

Yet the Queen was her own – a gem so rare.

The King went and pleaded down on his knees,

And again, they were wed under blooming trees.

The country of Cards had woven their string,

The Joker, the Ace, the Queen and the King.

From here, the story of the pack of Cards spread,

 And with this ending came the words “Happy end”.