Late Night Movie Magic

Late Night Movie Magic

A poem by Sebastian Diaz

As the sunlight lets out an evening flare.

And the smell of cigars and popcorn fills the air.

What a perfect place to fall in love again.

With that late-night movie magic that has come to reign.

Waiting impatiently on the line to the bathroom.

The kids hurrying so as to not miss the cartoons.

What a perfect place to feel like a child again.

With that late-night movie magic that has come to reign.

But that was 40 years ago, when the projector still ran.

Now the place’s run-down and closed due to the change of plans.

Mother Nature’s reclaimed her rightful place.

Yesterday was crowded but today that’s not the case.

No better place for a summer wrap-up.

Comfy in the van with family, spirits up.

Their innocence alluring, her eyes two topazes blue.

On for a night of fun, to chase away the blues.

What a perfect place to enjoy life again.

With that late-night movie magic that has come to reign.

Yesterday it was possible to stay until the end.

But today that magic’s gone, thanks to shifting trends.

The parking lot has reclaimed its rightful place.

And that late-night movie magic has finally lost the race.

But I still live in the past.

I don’t feel the need to age so fast.

And sometimes after work, I hurry, take the train.

And come here to feel like a child again.

Youth memories flash before my eyes.

The smell of the food and the dance of the fireflies.

Popcorn, Reese’s and some Kool-Aid.

Late-night movie magic well-earned and well paid.

Magic dreams projected onto giant screens.

Their wonder delighting, her eyes two sapphires green.

Late-night movie magic well-spent and well-meant.

The MGM lion and the shark from “Jaws”.

Back when special effects were just becoming the law.

“Porky’s”, “St. Elmo’s” and “The Breakfast Club”.

Late-night movie magic that was sent from above.

I can still quote the classics and sing the tunes.

But that magic’s now lost in time’s everchanging dunes.

I can still find appreciation in the oldies and goodies.

As I dream in big like the actors in the movies.

But the passage of time sure hurts like a knife.

While people go on with their daily lives.

Places get closed and people age too fast.

And just like your favorite movie, nothing’s meant to last.

The experience is gone but the memory remains.

Of that late-night movie magic, coming to you again.