The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

When Eve flipped the Tarot

She was new to the cards,
learning her trade,
still memorising the meanings
and missing out on intuition.

Not aware that often
they were just a tool,
a prop for instinct, 
a channel for the psychic link.

She  needed the practice,
wanted to read for everyone,
and seemed upset when I said no.
But in the end I relented,
"Just one card."

And there he was, stark and bold.
Death with his scythe.
She went pale, recoiled from the table, 
grey under her gypsy-dark skin.

Before she reached for her book,
to look for other meanings,
I reassured her.
It can just mean a sudden change.

But she never read the cards again,
gave me the pack to look after.
To use or pass on.
Looked relieved when I took them, 
accepting the gift as part of tradition.

A few weeks later the reading came true.
Not death, but the end of my marriage.
I still have the cards though.
I wonder what Eve would make of that?

Gyppo

Enjoyed this G. The narrative carried me along, the tarot pack has its allure and you don't deny that, but the outcome carried the poignant fact.

best

Phil

I also enjoyed the narrative and ending too. Stanzas 2 and 3 could probably do with a tightening up though. Too much information IMO.
Dave

Phil, glad you enjoyed it.

Dave, I shall very likely give this one a little polish after it's sat for a while.  Your comments about where this might take place are appreciated.  My subconscious is working on it even as I type.

Cheers,

Gyppo

I had my tarot cards read once and was allowed to ask one yes or no question. I asked if I should start a master's program and the answer was yes. I would have started it anyway but the extra validation was nice. 

Funny how those things work out.

The death card added an element of suspense in this poem. As a reader, I am left with no clue if the N initiated the divorce or thought it was a good or bad life change which is another element of suspense that lingers. And we are left to make of that what we will.

Nice narrative poem.

An enjoyable read with a good twist that adds authenticity. Tarot is an interesting exercise in random and fate.