Getting a Joker

In Mah Jongg, if the hand you get
Appears quite mediocre,
It can all get turned around
If you receive a joker.

This tile, so rare and magical,
Can function like a spark
To give you some direction
When you’re groping in the dark.

A joker’s a replacement piece
For every tile you need,
Unless it’s to complete a pair –
I don’t want to mislead.

But still, it’s wonderful to pick
A joker from the pile,
Although you must stay poker-faced
And not reveal a smile.

It’s like a secret weapon
As it sits there on your rack;
Despite its innocence
It helps you plan for your attack.

It’s possible to win, of course,
Without a joker’s aid,
And when that happens you deserve
An extra accolade.

But more than not, it feels so good
To glance down at your pick
And see a joker in your hand –
You line it up, real slick;

And hope that it will help you win,
At least one measly game,
So next time you can be the one
Who “Mah Jongg!” will exclaim.