King of Hearts

every gambler knows
never explain to your loved ones
unexpected blood in the morning
five w’s extend into white space
for the journalists book
sung to the tune of Alice’s Restaurant
this story is a good hand
with nothing showing
where you cut your hair and fingered the ash
took the clay bowl from the cupboard
and let water run into it
i remember every word of the prayer
aloud as they fit the mask
over your face