small town nights

the drive-in flickered under twilight’s  

touch, whispering secrets to small towns.  

backseats brimming with cheap laughter,  

soda spilling over trembling cup holders.  

trunks opened like tiny confessionals,  

hiding young bodies and reckless dreams.  

we were rich with mischief, hearts untamed,  

chasing starlight between popcorn kernels.  

the cop's beam sliced through our joy,  

and guilt gathered at our shoelaces.  

he sent us home, pockets emptied,  

but freedom hummed in our throats.  

small rebellions stitched our youth whole,  

each moment worth the price of trouble.  

in that town of hushed gravel roads,  

we carried the screen’s glow forever.