My stress relief when I was 17
was solitaire, with cards, of course alone.
Repeated shuffles, deals and decks my scene,
for this was long before iPad or -Phone.
My mind would range untethered while I played.
My worries would abate; ideas arose.
My fingers moved as order was arrayed.
I practiced Patience with the games I chose.

The shuffles lapsed. I let new programs deal
until a week ago. I opened then
a deck and rediscovered the appeal
of tactile game and taking time again.
My hands recalled the version I preferred,
and since I’ve been amused and gently stirred.