Taylor Mallay

Taylor Mallay is a student who enjoys hiking and old movies.

“The Ritual,” “Setae” and “Elegy for Ernest”

Classic rock crackles around a half-lit room,
scent of sweat exhaled by thick cotton

work shirts, denim salted with cigarette breath.
The bar’s low lights shiver on the skin

of his black leather coat. I linger
on the small god tapping at his chest.