The bulldog sits in still authority,
No flourish needed, no theatrical grin;
Four aces rest in quiet clarity,
A sovereign calm beneath his brindled skin.
Around the table tension tightens slow,
Muzzles stiff with calculation’s art;
Each rival studies what he does not show,
Each wonders where the turning point will start.
No smoke, no spotlight crowns the winning hand,
No thunder cracks to mark decisive fate;
Just painted pause—suspended, close at hand—
Where patience proves itself the stronger trait.
And in that pause, before the wagers fall,
His steady gaze outplays and masters all.
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Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: April 24th, 2026 08:21
- Comment from author about the poem: Inspired by the painting His Station and Four Aces by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 15
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: 🔥Trending🔥, Poem from a Picture.
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Comments4
Well done, your poem explores how true mastery and dominance in such high-pressure scenarios come from composure and insight rather than overt displays of emotion or bravado.
A great sonnet that picks the main points of the painting nicely done Matthew
Matthew, this builds tension without ever raising its voice…calculation, restraint, and that unshaken center all working together. The focus stays on that calm authority, and it carries the whole piece through. Really enjoyed this. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Well I'm doggone: Poker - a whole mind game as much as the cards.
Ace sonnet.
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