involuntary thrillseeking

The lesson of risk
is to danger it up a bit
for the kick of adrenaline rush
through the blood pounding through
fro and to, stampede all around
in a screaming search
for the exit they wish
would be never found,

but they desperately need.
Finally, the lights come back on,
they open the pores and breathe
their energy spent in escape,

and the blood
is everywhere

beginning to calm

and raking back in the chips
where they lay, insensible
to the risk, the take,

And the fate of all of the hands
they hold, they know when to fold
unprayed, and leave unplayed

to add to a debt they intend
to remain unpaid.