Rascal’s Wager

Rogue, you scrapings, gaunt prey,
Scum, dregs, offal, outcast
Of the drab sort, tricky,

Low, dishonest person,
Why should you get lucky?
The only wagering

Suitable for the likes
Of you is survival,
A bet on each next day

And maybe a ticket
Or two in lotteries
You’ll never win, although

You could, since you’ve little
To lose. Betting on faith
Or afterlife’s nature

Is too ridiculous
For the ridiculous,
Sly, grey, slouch-hatted you.