The Poker Club

The old poker club wasn't what it used to be. If you asked, none of them could tell you just how it all happened. And, then too, it didn’t happen the same to each one. One day they were young; full of piss and vinegar; they didn’t give much thought about tomorrow; it was always going to be better. Success wasn’t just possible – it was expected. Then things began to get slower. The tomorrows weren’t better; they were the same or maybe just a little worse. At first, they thought it was temporary; they even joked about it. Like getting delt a bad poker hand, the next one was sure to be better. It took awhile before hopes and dreams started to slide away. But after while they did. Their kids tell them it’s just because everyone in the old gang is getting on in years. And that is true. They’re all in their late sixties and not nearly as spry and adventurous as they used to be. But it wasn’t all just getting old. Seven players are needed for a good poker game; and seven were still around. They grew up together. The playground, school, boy scouts, sports, girlfriends, marriage, children. Even those things are different now. Then, most of them married their girlfriends, raised their kids and, while they weren't thinking about it, grew old. But now they were poor. Then on Thursday, June 12, 1974 they decided to rob the system and get even.