To live life
without reflection
is to play poker
with your cards
facing the table.
You fold
when you should raise,
you raise
when you should call,
and you call
when you should fold.
Everyone else
at the table
can see clearly
the choices
you are making,
whether leading
to success or failure,
but when the round is over,
as each of your decisions
were made arbitrarily
and without knowledge
of your cards,
you have learned nothing
and are no more prepared
for the next hand
than you were for the last.
I have played many hands
of poker
in my life,
some with my cards
facing me
and some while
staring blankly
at red or blue patterns;
I have learned
through these experiences
that the important thing
is not to be perfect
in card play,
but to become aware
of your tendency,
whether the stakes
are high or low,
to play poker
without knowing your cards.
When your next turn
comes around,
check your cards,
consider them,
and decide how to proceed
with full knowledge
of your hand.
Win, lose, or draw,
you will be better for it.
