Pool or Chess

He prowled the room
Around the table
Intent
Focused
Body bent, contorted
To make this shot
and the next, already planned
from angle and motion,
just enough
to sink it
Be ready

A miscue, a pause
to think
lick the new butt from the pack
light the spark
feel the heat
Laugh for effect
Through affable eyes

Work the table
Ball on ball
Smoke and music
Lean into the glass
Slide down the throat
Smile

Laugh at the banter
A Game, not so important
but for him, a challenge
a test of will, control where he can
Easy on his feet and in a crowd
Working the room
as he does, everyman and friend
comfortable confidante
Eight ball in corner pocket
Sweet

=====

edited July 23, 2015

Pool or Chess – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/pool-or-chess-v3.html

(editing version 2)

edited February 1, 2014

Pool or Chess – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/02/pool-or-chess-v2.html

March 26, 2004

Pool or Chess

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/03/pool-or-chess.html

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,740+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.