It could be argued that I was devoid of inspiration but the yellow brick road recently led me to the sports bar at Crown Casino.
Hard drinkin and hard gamblin were the norm here. 2.30pm Friday I think ( no windows and clocks here) , bore witness to desperate men and dodgy behaviour. At least they served Johnny Black for the asking.
The Orwellian monster screens gave one an excuse to concentrate on your drinking and not have to converse. The purpose of having three screens simultaneously showing American basketball, one day cricket and Wangaratta trots always mystified me. How the hell can I gain inspiration here?
I partake of a tub chair knowing that to refill my glass allows some fat arse fool in my seat. So be it , I people watch.
An elderly Asian man snoring quietly beside me is approached by security. Two tall under 30’s that could have stepped out of Langley Virginia grabbed an arm each. It was reminiscent of crackin a wishbone, I wonder who will win?
“No sleepin pop, you gotta go”, one sneered. I crunched my scotch soaked ice, angry at his treatment.
“Bastards”, I hissed. They frogmarched him away.
This place is hell on wheels. The red carpet and garish decor screams 666 at me. I come to the conclusion its wall to wall pain here, all in the guise of winning cash and dyin one minute at a time.
I go.
I visited hell the other day ...........
Crown casino, an exercise in sociology at the best of times.
lianne, 4 months ago
Superb picture! well done!
Anne van Alkemade
,
4 months ago
This is fantastic writing Mick. Just wonderful, and I agree wholeheartedly. Their product is ‘your pain, our gain’! I hate that gambling came to Victoria. Let the seniors take a bus to NSW for their weekends away. Hate it (and occasionally get sucked in by it too).
mick8585, 4 months ago
Thanks Lianne.
mick8585, 4 months ago
Thanks Anne. A dreadful place that I visit sometimes, just to sneer at.
LisaG, 4 months ago
Your superb writing illustrates a very sad and lonely reality for some people….
As a person with an addictive personality – I’m glad I’ve managed to stay away from gambling….
Now if I could give up the other two addictions that could so easily evolve into the scene you’ve written about…
mick8585, 4 months ago
I seem to have this ethnographic leaning at the moment. Its about observing the details and getting it down as good as possible. It helps to like people though, they interest me.
staz89, 2 months ago
Descriptive to the end, I love it
mick8585 in reply to staz89’s comment, about 1 month ago
Thanks for stopping by staz.
warmonger62, about 1 month ago
WOW Stunning writing… I felt I was actually there as I read your work. You are not just a writer, but an artist gifted with word-craft. Keep up the great work
mick8585, about 1 month ago
Thanks W. Really detest the place as you may have guessed.
Carmen Cilliers, about 1 month ago
Brilliant! It’s the same in all casinos. In South Africa the poor kids sit in crowded huddles outside the doors while the parents desperately gamble away their months pay. The groceries have not yet been done. Men leer and woman gaze around with glassy eyes. Yes, it’s another room in hell.
mick8585 in reply to Carmen Cilliers’s comment, about 1 month ago
Greed tends to have a continuity I suppose . Thanks for stopping by.
alfie, about 1 month ago
like it a lot – says so much with so few words. took me straight there – impressive writing
mick8585 in reply to alfie’s comment, about 1 month ago
Thanks Alfie.