(very loosely inspired by recent events)

by Clyde Always

“Child rescued [by fire and EMS workers] after climbing into a claw machine arcade game”
—ABC

How did you lose all our savings, you fool?
Did you fall for a hustle again playing pool?
Or pick the last pony to circle the track?
Or wager on red when you should’ve picked black?
Of course not! In fact, it’s our son who’s to blame.
You know that impossible claw machine game?
He crawled up the chute going after a prize
and got stuck, but I snagged him! It took a few tries…