Pocket Billiards (Pool)

 

I ustacould play pool,

but I can’t anymore.

 

With glasses for reading and distance–

neither  work for

pool table distances,

I have to chuck them both and go naked,

it isn’t pretty.

 

Combined with old age

stiffness and real degenerative

arthritis in my right hip which

keeps me from getting into proper position

to shoot and guess what–

I can’t shoot straight!

 

It’s distressing since my Willie Hoppe two piece cue

bought 60 years ago for five dollars from

Ed’s pool hall has made so many

memorable shots–and both won and lost

money–a lot.

It is still straight and aside from a missing piece

of inlay, in perfect condition.

 

So I have the cue;

it has the name, the memory, and

I have the desire, but

damn it,

I can’t get the ball in the pocket.

 

I ustacould shoot some stick,

but not anymore.

 

Silkworm 2014