The Knight After Christmas by Penni Kimmel
The Knight After Christmas
A poem by Penni Kimmel, dated December 1977. A hand-written note on the type-written document reads: Gift poem to the Pool Freaks, Man Stop Rm.)
The Knight After Christmas
When the Knight After Christmas came into the bar
Even Radar was stirring, and Cliff, Carl and Carr.
The men were all hung (in the Man Stop) with care
In hopes the Good Fairy would find them all there.
Then by the pool table arose such a clatter
Hugh fell off his stool to see what was the matter.
Ten names had appeared on the blackboard -- what's that?
The tabletop leveled? The cue tips all fat?
The sticks are all straightened out just like they oughter!
The game costs a {illegible}-refundable quarter!
"Come Michael (the Knight writes) you're up against Mark
Play hard to his soft. Take {illegible}shots in the dark.
Then Steve is up next, but there's no need to tremble
(His cue takes an hour or two to assemble).
If Camper Bill coaches the next game is Frank's,
Then Big Frank comes on with some seven-rail banks
(Unless they're distracted by some little hat-trick
who snuck in before After Hours with Kay Patrick.)
Next, Truman starts off with an anarchist break
That sinks every ball on the slate...but the eight.
While Moose in his own quiet way is provoking
The champ to his doom with some slow, steady stroking.
Then Bill, barely standing, leans over the table
And says he can't see but he'll win if he's able."
References
- “Media Clippings, Letters to the Editor.” Various Documents. With Penni Kimmel. University of Southern California, 1980 1976. Pikes Peak Gay Community Center (PPGCC) records. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries. https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8zg6tkv.