Gentleman Loser

I like those old guys
who still refer to themselves
as "The Kid".

When I was arrested
I had it coming.

It was fajita day,
and I slept like a log
adrift in the purring ocean.

The old kid
looked me down,
sizing me up.

You're not supposed
to wear white after Labor Day,
he said.

I drew him a giraffe
on a napkin
and left it on his cot.

Released in the morning
to a good afternoon,
and some change.

But not much,
just enough for a soda,
which I only drank half.

And I walked home
with a dead phone,
my head held in the middle.

Am I too old
to sleep in my boots
tonight?