The Magus smiled
and spread the cards -
pick any one:
the choice is yours

Take a look
then place it back
shuffle, split
the digits flit

now… concentrate:

cleverly
mystically
almost erotically

fingertips
slip
dance
trip
playfully
across the deck

a sly wink
in a blink
the blur of hand
cuts; deft

reaches, behind your left
ear
flashing your chosen
king of hearts
like a master of the dark arts
all wry smile and beguile
Le Bateleur
dalliant laughter
teasing banter
and sparkling eye

intonates a deeper
meaning here
he leans near:
“focus”
he whispers, close
as the hairs
on you neck
raise

Keep your gaze
on the card
not my hand
on my heart
all misdirect and distract

The art
of precision
manipulation
of circumstance
self confidence
divine immanence

Take these magical elements
and weave your own
fortune

Mastery of mystery
comes not from
card trickery
but the capability,
the ability to see
future reality
as it really could be
Grasp the Ace
and hold it tightly.

~

He tips his wide brimmed hat
smiles like a Cheshire Cat
whisks his cloak
and he’s gone
in a waft of smoke.