Flashbulbs pop everyone
wants proof they were there
for the moment.
It wasn’t my fault 
line but every man who finds himself
standing over one has to pick his side.

Blood on my hands
burned from carrying a torch too long.
Every man falters.
But not everyone has an audience.
I drink the heat, exhale fire
the arena lights so bright.

Every man meets his end.
This is not mine.
This is a switchback
sudden jerk, no telling 
what lies ahead only a promise
the road continues.

Michael Chin was born and raised in Utica, New York and currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife and son. He’s the author of eight full-length books, including his novel, My Grandfather’s an Immigrant, and So is Yours (Cowboy Jamboree Press, 2021) and his latest short story collection This Year’s Ghost (JackLeg Press, 2025). His short work has previously appeared in journals including Bat City Review, Praire Schooner, The Pinch, Passages North, and The Normal School. Find him online at miketchin.com.