“I don’t know how to live.”
-Sharon Olds

From the beginning of your life you are born a
gambler. The dealer, a brutal thing called Life.
You are given your first hand the second you take
a breath. The hand you are dealt sets the precedent

for your entire future. Yet, many players never receive
cards. A tragedy some are never able to comprehend.
In the game of Rummy, each card has point values
assigned. The values range from beneficial to extremely

detrimental. The numbered cards you don’t have to worry
about. However, jokers, even a single one, can turn your
game upside down. Life is played the same way. The
smaller issues mean nothing, but the jokers in your life

make you lose. The only difference between Rummy
and life is there are thousands more jokers in life than
there is rummy. If you encounter any jokers, leave the
clown hat with them. Never try it on. Leave the funny

business to the professional. You do not need that in
your life. The jokers only try to ruin any good thing
you have created: relationships, careers, happiness, etc.
You work hard to build up the things you love. Don’t

let a dummy with face paint ruin it all. Otherwise,
you might end up with a face full of paint yourself. If that
happens, I’m sure you can always run away with
the circus. Clowns are always welcome.