Luckless Lottery

For years, I avoided the lottery
Because I would probably lose.
I then learned a much better reason:
The jackpot is mostly bad news.

I might enjoy wealth for a while
But not know the way to invest
A windfall beyond what I’m used to;
My choices might not be the best.

Most winners spend more than they ought to
And run out of dough in two years.
Perhaps it was fun while it lasted,
But often it all ends in tears.

And even the ones who save wisely
Or donate to laudable drives
Face greedy relations and strangers,
Who might end up taking their lives.

Oh, sometimes they find satisfaction;
Guess that’s where the real gamble lies.
I’d rather win nothing for nothing
Than take a big chance on the prize.