Hell is empty and all the devils are here.

by Michael Estabrook

Hell is empty and all the devils are here.
          William Shakespeare

1
Yes I know I could’ve become a famous poet
that time I met the Devil at the crossroads. I could’ve
made the standard pact with him trading my soul
for poetic perfection. But I squandered my chance
by choosing the girl instead.

2
Exciting watching the Rio 2016 Olympics especially
the great champions — Phelps, Ledecky, Biles, Bolt, Eaton . . .
think how I could’ve done something exciting with my life
if only I had had the resources . . . then spot the Devil
in the corner across the room laughing his ass off.

3
I’m a senior now, retired, career done, family grown
and gone but have I accomplished everything
I’ve wanted to? Not sure honestly.
So pick something and do it, moron, the Devil hisses
in my ear having lost his patience with me again.