A Game of Cards

By: Barney Shepherd

The first thing I remember,
‘Twas on my fathers knew,
Playing with a deck of cards,
I guess that I was three.
He’d show me how to shuffle,
Although, I was very young.
Said “son, you’ll be a winner!”
While chewing on his tongue.

My Daddy’s name was Trebe Orin
And he loved to play the game
With all his friends and relatives
And “set back” was the name.
My aunts and uncles always came
And we’d have an all night spree.
They’d draw high card for partners,
Then pair off, three by three.

This was a game of honor
‘Twas supposed to be no cheatin’.
But, my daddy couldn’t help himself
He hated to be beaten
So, when Trebe Orin got the deal
It was a given fact
He’d try to place the ace of spades
On the bottom of the stack!

Uncle Leonard, was something else,
He’s look you in the eye,
If the truth was in his favor
He’d tell a great big lie!
He’d stretch the truth a country mile.
It was his claim to fame.
They’d always double check his count
Of high, low, jack and game.

Uncle Smith was the referee
And he had an eagle eye.
He’s look for dad to stack the deck
Or catch Leonard in a lie.
He’d also stretch the truth a bit
And he had a poker face.
But, he was a gambling man
And would bid without the ace!

Aunt Effie always looked so neat
Her hair rolled in a bun.
She took her “set back” seriously
But, she also had her fun
She was a childless, lovely thing
But, it was really, really tough,
To give Aunt Effie sugar,
When her lip was full of snuff!

Smith Blevins always came to play
And he always came alone.
When it came time for him to bid
He’d call Callie on the phone.
We didn’t have a telephone
Hanging there upon the wall.
This was make believe to him
But, he would always fake that call.

Aunt Fanny was the quiet one
And she always had more fun,
Especially, with a settin’ hand,
Or when she had a run!
She never, ever disagreed
With the one that she loved the best.
She always looked so anxious
And she never seemed to rest.

My mamma was the youngest
And Nettie was her name.
She was the most competitive,
And she dearly loved the game.
She’d hold me in her loving arms
When she sat down to play.
And just when she would shoot the moon
I’d drift off, far far away!

I have this picture in my mind
Of the ones I hold so dear.
Playing on a golden table,
And I can see and hear,
A fake phone call to Callie
And the scene remains the same

Someone went out and they would shout
High, low, jack and game!

High, low, jack and game
Has echoed through the years.
It has a rhythm, all it’s own,
‘Tis music to my ears!
Inviting me to draw a card,
Sit down and take my place,
As we take on the winners,