two card trick

I have watched them all
come and go with the aplomb
of used car dealers, circus clowns.
And the sincerity of a crooked
casino floorwalker.

Seldom a-list, naturally bent,
their faith in their ability to perform
far out strips any natural talent.

To deceive as much as inspire.

Expensive dental work,
in an atrophied smile,
does precious little to distract
from the poker chip up the sleeve.
The smell of a lie.

The race isn't fixed, that's the issue.
Everything is broken.