Out of the Woodwork
From PiedPipersHouseOfPong
(Revised 2nd ed. – Jan 2009)
The One we now know -- though not often does he show
Is One who played back in the day of the Great Peter Lo
This fine Chap balances Pong with many another thing
Not always there -- his voice both a distant and familiar ring
This fine Brit seems to thrive best when competition is there
But he can win in practice – so you youths had better beware
Yet this fine Chap often has no time for the "practice" thing
Only savoring the real match – not so much the Pong or Ping
Yet when Graham says "Cheers!" and mysteriously appears
Young lads and loopers get sent to the bleachers in the rears
When the youth of the day meet this "Woodwork Graham"
They soon realize that this fine Brit musters a mighty slam
Practice not his forte -- he seems to practice only while passing by
Or "in the middle" of many other things, giving something else a try
Sometimes just in happenstance or while grabbing a sandwich of ham
Did we see any "practice" performed by "In the Woodwork" Graham
A self-proclaimed "Woodworm" – in recluse in the Woodwork you see
He is most often not there -- unless an official match is destined "to be"
In General's Civil War -- teamed with Lefty they pulled the big upset
As the distant yet familiar Pongers would ask him "Haven't we met?"
Embracing Woodwork enhanced with elegance and British charm
Don't be fooled – when tournament bells ring – sound the alarm
Graham owns the oldest racquet case in the entire Pong place
Dismiss him not -- when competition comes – he's back in the race
Teamed with the Pied Piper in doubles this Woodwork Fellow did well
In the Intramurals - Lefty The Looper and the Mighty Paul B soon fell
The youth played very well and took a game in the final doubles match
Then Pied Piper pounded and Graham's slams sealed closed the latch
The Old Guys at that time clearly spanked the youth of day
Then all went down to Woody's for beer - you don't say
While toasting beer glasses and sipping the finest brew
Mighty fine Pong talks and related topics did soon ensue
Then the Alumni back from the days of The Great Peter Lo
Lamented – "This Wood Fellow - we seem to hardly even know"
It seems back then by his design - the Woodwork also was his
The Alumni mysteriously stated, "Well, I know who he is"
Graham comes "Out of the Woodwork" only when he sees it fit
Yet the fierce competition spirit flame to victory -- is very soon lit
Thinking he was out of practice – mistakenly assumed a young lad
Graham's backspin and slam effective – the youth quickly was had
If this fine Chap thinks practice as just something done in vain
Why should the Pied Piper or Pongers question or complain?
Graham helped the Pong Club along as the Faculty Advisor
Without the menace of practice – perhaps the Woodwork is wiser
The Pied Piper of Pong