Gambler

He'd sit alone by the steps of the temple
As the day walks in gently from the East.
He'd spread that rag with arms that tremble
He's all that he has that can himself assist.

He'd settle in so and slowly prepare
For another day of seeking dependence
To again be that object of all stare
And in turn earn a few more pence.

He'd seen much better days in the past
Days when the Present was per his wishes,
And happiness was next to luck in the cast
On life's theatrical stage full of flushes.

He'd been part of that world resplendent
Enjoying the art of being carefree
Thought his coffers one could never indent
And hunger then was his least worry.

As time flew by on those lazy, lazy  days
The thought struck him to make easy money
To mock at, to ridicule the tested ways
That said hard work is life's best journey.

So, long before knowing what was amiss,
He gambled all the way down to a dime.
Then left with none, and no ingress,
He turned a nomad, wandering with time.

He never spent effort to learn his word
And now he found himself bereft of skill.
Now left to his own, he took to the road
Seeking petty alms and a little goodwill.