the ride

what a thrill
it was
to be pinned
back
into your seat,
as the rumbling
car
of the roller
coaster
sent you
high, then low,
curling around
the steel
track.
holding on,
white knuckled,
in a scream
of fear and joy.
death never
crossing your
mind, as it
often does now.
your heart raced
as the clang
of chain
and wheels pulled
the car
slowly, slowly
up to a peak,
then falling,
dropping down
like a stone.
let's do it again,
you'd say
to your friends,
the second it
slowed to a stop.
let's ride it
all day. but no
more.