DUENDE. By Michael N. Thompson

Last call’s down to
former girls of summer
who lie about their scars
and midnight mission derelicts
with tobacco-stained teeth

Both are trying to relive glory days,
but going home alone
leaves them as bitter
as happy hour whiskey

It’s hard to hope for
the kind of happy ending
sentimental movies are about
when nostalgia doesn’t pay the rent

The decay’s obvious
although they choose
to pretend it’s not

For some, fate turns on a dime
and for others’ it’s a slow burn

Michael N. Thompson likes bacon, cats and fantasy football.  His poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals including Word Riot, Toronto Quarterly and San Pedro River Review. He is the author of four poetry collections. Michael’s newest project is his first novel, Sympathy For The Devil. www.michaelnthompson.com