Casino

In Downtown Renton, WA at the intersection where SW Sunset blvd turns into S. 3rd St. At around 2:32 in the afternoon, a casino may be a depressing place to be, if you’re an average working slob. But the atmosphere isn’t depressing at all, it’s friendly and inviting. Everyone seems to be old friends, though most haven’t met before. There’s recovering alcoholics, with sunken weathered faces, still with a smile; middle aged card sharks, upper middle aged women, recently divorced, and looking to make back time; a couple of women in their twenty’s starting their midweek night off, overdressed and having a way better time than should be possible.

Discretionary
laughter. Casino chips clacking
between cheers and groans.

The moment was no different from those before or after; two women walking in the door. The moment was no different from those before or after; laughing at some unknown joke. The moment was no different from those before or after; but for some reason it worked its way into this haiku.