PapaÊs Card Game

by Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

BECAUSE HIS AGE AND FRAILTY LIMITED his participation in the current festivities, Papa thought that he could join in with the boys on the block and enjoy a card game. Even though it was past the time when the rum shop should be closed according to the class of license under which it was authorized to operate, some apparently ignore that law. Additionally, when the wind blows, the stench of urine hits everyone in their faces. Rum shops should have washroom facilities with running water. That regulation too does not seem important to enforce. In any case, “no matter what court you go to, you must come back to Papa.” He leaned his walking stick against the table just beside his leg and said, “Fellars, let’s get going.” He, being the oldest, was given the pack to shuffle. He eagerly took the whole pack of special cabinet cards and made his first attempt. He was greatly embarrassed because the cards did not respond even after the fifth try. He dared not scratch his head because his sensitive skin could break requiring an expensive overseas trip to attend to it. So, he put his hand under his jaw and mused, “After one time is another.” He cracked all his fingers, hoping that by a little stimulation, they would be enabled, but that made no difference. Years of writing and finger pointing, especially the middle one, had taken their toll and perhaps carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or gout were being manifested.

He recognized that for a fair game to be played, the cards must be shuffled and sometimes reshuffled. He had a few tricks up his sleeves that he intended to try but everyone was watching and would notice. This, however, was no deterrent to him because his stature on the block would allow him to get away with almost anything. Even in this matter he won’t be held accountable. A few rounds of drinks would smooth things over and no one would complain.

Perhaps the problem was with the cards themselves. One trump card seemed to be overused, tattered and old. It was clear that it lost its shine and could no longer function in the pack. Even though it played such a crucial role in the pack over the years, outshining kings and queens, its time had come for retirement. In its heyday it was a perfect example of “seven being greater than ten.” Rather five being greater than ten. This card had seen better days during the lunch hour at Public Works.

Another card caught his attention; however, he was distracted when someone at the table said that, he could eat a food. Papa promptly ordered food for everyone. At this time his mind ran on the Education Revolution, so he asked the men how their children were doing. One said, “Not good at all, since my wife was fired for not taking the vaccine, we are going through some rough times.” Additionally, one child couldn’t find work, another was repeating, and another couldn’t get into college because he didn’t pass Math. Papa continued to examine the card and laid it aside.

The pack seemed bulky, so he took out what appeared to be a queen that appeared to be wet and swollen. This one reminds me of the high maintenance woman, so I must take it out. Similarly, a king was out of proportion and is comparable to the high maintenance man. It too must go.

Closer examination revealed an American card in the pack and wondered how it got there. Although it was shiny and new, it appeared to be stained with lipstick. Papa chose to maintain a dignified silence on this one.

Papa was happy to move the spotlight from himself, his age, his deficiencies, and his inability to shuffle the pack, and place the fault squarely on the pack itself. Momentarily he called out to the shopkeeper, expressing disgust with the whole pack of cabinet cards, “You don’t have a new pack? This one isn’t good. I am throwing it out.” The boys didn’t mind that the game never got going. They had enough food and drinks. They knew that Papa would get a “whacking” when the game is played with a new pack next time.