Roller Coaster
Click below to hear me read this poem.
You assume I’ll always ride the ride
My love of anticipation guarantees
Clackety, clackety
Climbing over questionable rails and beams
Excitement building, smile broadening
Fingers wrap tight, jaw clenches
Perfection at the precipice
The butterflies halt their wings
Then down, rush, wind, speed, adrenaline
My gut takes a seat in my chest
My breath is captive, as in death
Dropping, dropping the thrill is killing me
Not up, not down, hanging between realities
Sweet, sweet agony this, too long
Swoosh, to earth, the aftermath
Over so soon, I want to go again
Maybe a different roller coaster this time
But, not yours
I don’t want to get on yours
Your highs, where your smile disarms the masses
Lively eyes sparkle and distract
And your sorrowful pout begs forgiveness
Are not worth the lows, where rusty wheels
Scream on tired tracks
Unseen Thrushes whip my legs
Forgotten angry branches
Knock the happiness from my lungs
I haven’t the energy for it any more
I wish you well from where I stand
I harbor no ill thoughts
but I will not participate
I won’t ride it
Anymore.
