Hazard

Due to past
experience
I expect
the blow:
I can take it.

That doesn't make the hurt in the throat less painful
nor does it keep misery from clawing at my insides.
A broken heart is not beautiful: it is convulsive sobs,
a runny nose and tears charting a crumpled face.

Optimists are
the worst
gamblers
and life is a
one-armed bandit.