In the city of sin the dizzy wheel spun br twirling glittering talons of light. br He closed his burning eyes, br raw lids squeezed out the tears br and in the hot, pale glow within br appeared the faces of those he loved. br br The smooth deck spilled, splashing blood, br toppling the pile of white chips. br In the polished surface beneath he saw br strangers stripping his palaces, br strangers driving his chariots, br strangers sifting the leftovers. br br The cunning wheel stopped br the crimson knave laughed br and in the distance slowly, br the gathering scavengers stirred. br br 'Don weeds, precious ones br huddle up for a long journey; br the dice are loaded.