by Jen Schneider

the gal on lane eight wears a pink chiffon gown. neither prom nor traditional digs her thing. no shoulders (all pins) covered. the guy on lane ten dons a permanent frown. hot air, guts & gutters in surround sound. an elvis impersonator lights up lane nine. along with tubs of tenders & fries. the trio flaunt hair (& balls) slicker than lanes. all well-oiled. nine-pins a challenge. ten-pins more friend than foe. the team’s on track for series-highs. a resident pigeon decides to fly. the bird hits a perfect strike. no time to spare. all hands sweep fries. everyone d(wh)ines.