Pool or Chess – v2

He prowled the room

Around the table

Intent, certain

Focused, efficient

Body bent, contorted

To make this shot

and the next, already planned

from angle and motion,

just enough, push,

to sink it, another,

Be ready

A miscue, a pause

to think, a sip of the bourbon

lick the new butt from the pack

light the spark

feel the heat, alive,

the new-smoke licking his face

Laugh for effect

Through affable eyes

Work the table

in syncopation

Ball on ball

does it really matter

Smoke and music

Lean into the glass

Slide down the throat

Smile, deep

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, his eyes,

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.