Yesterdays players are a memory that fades from view
Replaced by modern wielders of the skilful cue

Billiards was a game of grace and touch
Now the game is no longer played so much

What were they like these famous men, who stood for hours in the public’s gaze?
They fought long and hard to make a living from concentrated effort on the green baize.

They had other lives away from the table
Some of them were probably anything but stable?

The heyday of Billiards saw two world wars I recall
The effects on everyone’s lives were far from small

Joe Davis toured giving troops a lift
Tricks and humour were his gift

Some film survives of the greats in play.
They seemed fast and sure, no feet of clay

I collect their cues, books and memorabilia with respect
With my writing I hope their memory will not fall into neglect.

The modern player has unrivalled skill no doubt
But for me the stars of the thirties had more clout.

If you get the chance to see them demonstrate there art
On video or film you will be transfixed from the start

I hope that you might look back with interest
At the men who for generations so impressed

David Smith