The Big Choice

Amy Solomon

There's a Big Choice   
in the Royal Arcade 
on the boardwalk.
It's only got two 
prizes in it.

Not much of 
a choice you say
You could either pop
two quarters in or
walk away
Today you decide to play.

So you peak in
press your breath
against the dirty frame
And strategize logistics for 
the Game. 

On the right there's a real live
human heart
leaking blood all over the white
sand crystals that
line the mirrored cage.

On the left there's a triple-bladed
so-the-wound-don't-heal dagger
shiny in the glass
suspended on it's point.

Forward, somewhere an hourglass breaks,
The side, all the more insignificant a man to life makes.

The rusty claw thrusts
and comes up empty
again.