Whatever Circumstances Arise

Ira Gershwin (1896–1983), the celebrated American lyricist, was known for his collaborations with his brother George on numerous iconic songs and musicals. He was also an avid, though notoriously unlucky, poker player. After enduring a particularly dismal night at the card table, he declared to his friends, ““I take an oath. I’ll never pick up a card again.” .” After a brief pause, he reconsidered, adding, “Unless, of course, I have guests who want to play…Or unless I am a guest in another man’s house..” Reflecting further,…