Home Planet News

a journal of literature & art

Poetry of Issue 9: Belmont Stakes

Belmont Stakes

All contents that enter the racetrack

must be in a container smaller than 12 inches

or contained in a clear plastic bag.

The patrons brought their contraband

in clear containers

they played the game

but these gamblers and thieves

make their own rules.

Sandwiches wrapped in saran

contain two pieces of hero bread

around water bottles filled with vodka,

others brought in Sprite bottles

filled with chardonnay

for a gambling diehard

buying a $180 seat,

in the grandstand near the finish line,

may be expensive,

maybe they can’t afford:

$25 for a flute of champagne

$15 for a glass of wine

$10 for a 20 ounce beer.

I was a guest at this party

looking in.

by Linda Kleinbub

Home Planet News