Ode to a Swing Set

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!

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Copyright © 04/18/2024 by Christy Munson. All rights reserved.

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