Sneaking into the Movies

Looking back, I see why we did it

I had the money, but you didn't

So we snuck in--all summer long

One gullible ticket ripper

One lame excuse to use the restroom

And we were safely beyond that velvet rope

Ensconced in darkness

Not since Napster

Had so much entertainment

Been had for free

As we slunk down the theater aisle

Grabbed our seats

And lowered our buzz-cut heads

Below the usher’s sight line of the chair backs

We eventually came out

Eye drunk on film stock

Ears buzzing with Dolby Sound

Running out the emergency exit

And weaving blearily

Through the sun dazzled parking lot

A decade later, just out of college

I learned you had joined the Navy

I learned you had a girlfriend

I learned you had hung yourself

Confusion and early summer heat

Reigned at the cemetery that day

Everyone looked hot and angry

Stunned at your decision

To sneak back into the dark alone

And without permission

Leaving us all

To walk back to our cars

Weaving blearily

Into the sun dazzled parking lot