Ode to a Swing Set
1970's style
I love your giant spider body
primordial metal insect rising from winter's thawing turf
textured paint peeling in haphazard segments:
salty oranges, rusty reds, whispered blues
cranky chain-link legs dangling from your thick tubular spine
black rubber straps as droopy seats
cement beneath our feet
//
I'm not smiling at the playground
until I run flat out to you
launch the pushing-pulling-pushing
kicking legs and yanking feet
dipping backwards
building speed
leaning back
into the seat
kick my feet and kick my feet
leaning forward once again
time to pull my small feet in
thrusting hard now
pulling Gs
I am flying ever faster
squeals of reckless, rowdy laughter
happy me!
oh, happy me!
long hair flowing
gently raking earth below
and here we're go!
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
become a pendulum
my beloved swing and me
up and back
and up and back
each pass, a little longer
I can feel us growing stronger
my spidy senses tingling
now here comes that sound I’m seeking!
yes, a moaning groaning creaking
harrumphing! thumping! thumping!
baaaah-bump baaaah-bump baaaah-bumping
your perfect monster legs keep stomping
up
and down
and up
and down -- a massive suction hose!
slurping, burping earth, cement, and worms
when I hear that distant rumbling
then I know it’s time for jumping!
and suddenly I’m hovering in mid-air
til I'm falling
swiftly falling
fumbling bumbling quickly stalling
oh man, this is my jam—no, I’m not scared!
I'm awakened by the fear
and I know what to do next:
tuck myself up, knees to chest,
and I spill out one big mess
popping upright to my feet
climb your legs to take my seat
start this ride right by your side
where I long to be
my truest friend, you hear me say:
Hey, come on, I wanna play!
Again!
Again!
Again!
___________________________
Copyright © 04/18/2024 by Christy Munson. All rights reserved.
___________________________
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Excellent storytelling
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Comments (6)
The imagery in this is so strong! I could see it, hear it, feel it so clearly! Great ode to good old swings!
This was so great Christy, I love the feeling of nostalgia you were able to capture here!!
Gorgeous poem! Childhood is a wonderful time, but if it happens I use the swing even now 😂
Ode to a swing set! Your poem brings childhood back to wonderful throbbing life, Christy!
Gosh I wish I was a kid again, on the swing. That feeling is so blissful!
The picture is going with the context!