The Hustler's Prayer

The Hustler's Prayer - David E. Malone - May 4, 2006

I humbly beg the gods of pool
To help me live the Golden Rule.
To do to others constantly...
Before they do the same to me.

Let one-piece cues be straight to roll
And cubes of chalk not have a hole.
Make each new shot a fluid stroke
And guide my arm if I am broke.

And please supply an endless list
Of amateurs who still insist
That playing yet another rack
Will let them win their money back.

Give me the strength to walk away
And save it for another day.
Give me the nerve to see it through
When only running out will do.

And let each sleazy hall's decor
Boast open exits by the score.
And when I need to get out quick
I pray the window doesn't stick.

If they should lose, I pray the bums
Won't get upset and break my thumbs.
All of this I hope and pray
To ease my struggles every day.

And last, dear gods, please help me see
If anybody's hustling... me.