Gio Salem Blog

I sit at a table With motives in my eyes I will not lose I will stand tall The dealer is young and arrogant Self assured by power He knows not my power I will show him blackjack He gets a nine, I get a king He knows he's defeated, and I laugh Wait, I get a two He gets an Ace Goodnight sweet prince Analysis: True pain cannot be realized until one loses a hand where they have a face card. One time at Barona, I was extremely far up, so I decided to play a risky hand. I got extremely cocky when I started to win, so I thought this hand would be no different. I put much of my bankroll on the hand, but ended up losing. Even though this was a devastating blow, I eventually bounced back and finished up.

I recognize it The smell that comes once a year She's making pacha Analysis: In the Chaldean culture, pacha is an extremely popular dish. It involves the organs of a cow and, although this sounds disgusting, is actually amazing. However, it is extremely difficult to make. As a result, my grandma only makes it once per year, usually on Christmas. When I smell it in the kitchen, I get extremely excited, as this is one of my favorite meals. 

I feel the wind in my hair Even though she's a closed-top I cruise 80mph down the road Without a care in the world I cut people off I hog up the lanes, these roads are mine Then I hear the sirens I see the black and white care behind me I think I can talk my way out of it I be polite, I ask her nicely I apologize for my actions $550 later, here I am. Analysis: A while back, I was going a completely reasonable speed on the freeway, even if it was a bit above the speed limit. Eventually, I caught the attention of a police officer who evidently had nothing better to do. I tried to appeal my ticket and do everything possible to get it dismissed, but this was unsuccessful. My mom was certainly not happy.

The fire whips across my face I try not to scream in agony This is what I've been waiting for This moment of death I see my life before my eyes Just as they said I would I'm ready for Him to take me I am numb to the pain My friend hands me milk, laughing, "I can't believe you ate a habanero bro" Not today, God I live to see another day. Analysis: This year, I made the questionable decision of eating a whole habanero. My friends said I wouldn't, so I obviously had to. When I put the pepper in my mouth, I knew that I had made the wrong choice. I actually felt like I was going to die; I was prepared to have my mother take me to the emergency room. However, I eventually recovered with lots of milk. This could be the closest I've ever been to death, and I will certainly not be going near a habanero again.

She speaks to me soft Solving all of my troubles I am indebted Analysis: This is a poem about my mother, one whom I owe so much. Through my childhood, my mother was always there for me, caring for me and making sure I had everything to succeed. I know that many people are not afforded this luxury, and I consider myself extremely blessed to have a mother who will always care for me and want the best for me. She comforts me in down times while also being honest with my shortcomings.

I push forwards and backwards The heat of the scrum gets to me My legs feel like jelly I go on anyway I get hit, I get back up I lose, I keep on trudging I press on when it seems impossible Because it's worth it. Sometimes I wonder why I do this The beaten bones and bruises But then I remember, it's something I love Something that makes me Analysis: This poem details some of my feelings regarding rugby. I picked up the sport this year, but instantly fell in love with it. I felt that it was a great way to push myself beyond my comfort zone and experience new things. Although it seemed nearly impossible at times, I regret nothing and am thankful for my time in the program.