Homage to Hopper

It's late. Too late.

Ruth has herself a man for the night

But he won't be there tomorrow.

She's finished her coffee and

is reapplying her lipstick.

The rest of her makeup may be threadbare

but her hair is holding up just fine.

She chose her dress well this evening--

Burnt sienna, raw silk,

close in color to her hair,

tight across her broad shoulders

and just enough scoop to seduce.

Roger just wants to go home.

He doesn't care if anyone tips him.

Go home for chrissakes, or wherever

it is you  go at 3 am!

He can smell the the alcohol burning

off their breath and can't decide

whether to make another pot of coffee.

His back hurts, but if he stays

bent at this angle, he can get relief.

Problem is it makes people think

he's interested in having a conversation

when all he wants is to close shop

and go to his room above the diner

It's late. Too late.