The Brawl

Snapped down shirts, scuffed up boots Puffing larger than life chests Dime-store pokes, showing colors Peacock struts and sailor jokes Twangs from the jukebox Begging for two-steps Cheap draws flowing Cue sticks chalked and Propped on end. Balls on the felt waiting to roll in corners A quick spit, one more shot of Crow Then eyeing, sizing, and circling like Brigands in the woods, Angling the bank, then with a bend And swift slide of stick- One stripe in the pocket Quick tilt of hat, a strut and swell Another snap-click and cue ball falls Side glance and a snort One quick shove and the gloves are off Suds, fists, and blood Well hell... Another good night ends with "Last call for alcohol!"