Entrenched

In the haze of the casino's neon gleam,

He stakes his bets, chasing a dream.

Each chip a wager, each spin a race,

But as the ball falls, hope meets disgrace.

Walking away with pockets thin,

Maybe tomorrow his luck will begin.

He's owed a victory, it's written on the wall,

To silence his doubters once and for all.

Reunited with a friend from the past,

Reminiscing about adventures that didn't last.

While the friend's life reached dazzling heights,

He spends his days trying to buy his nights.

Back at the tables, pulse soaring free,

Each win fuels his feverish glee.

He was right, he knew all along,

In the game of chance, he does belong.

But below the excitement, a hollow ache,

His life exists beyond this endless stake.