Feeling the rollercoaster of emotion these days, so will share a memory of Disneyland’s California Adventure…
California Scream
Music blares.
The rapid, heavy beat reflects my pounding heart.
White fists clutch the cold safety bar,
padded shoulders imprison.
Lu-r-ch.
Plastic carts burst ahead.
Sudden wind steals,
whips breath away.
Grinding wheels on metal tracks emit evil laughter,
swallowing screams.
Sway left,
lean right,
tip to the brink of darkness.
Lift,
PLUMMET, senses swirl.
Finally, terror slows,
allows heart to twitch,
breath draws near, fighting panic.
But ahead is only open sky!
Abruptly,
plunge over brink,
to be hurled away like yesterday’s garbage.
The fiend clutches close but swiftly tosses instead
to a juggler’s loop.
Upside down,
Gravity, scorned lover,
pulls close then pushes away.
Ineffective protests echo
prayers for this daring to quickly end.
Unexpectedly,
we stop.
The screeching is not me, but braking wheels
and for a moment
all is still.
Then passengers disembark, full of glee and awe.
Trembling, I flee,
my knees struggle not to bow with thankfulness.
Bravery betrayed,
defeated by a treacherous rollercoaster.
Yet I live!
*California Adventure photo CCO public domain, courtesy of Pixabay.com
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marniewriter.com
Marnie has recently retired to Saskatchewan, Canada to write and be with her grands. She shares from her heart, drawing from both painful and joyful life experiences, where she believes God's presence makes all the difference.
Wow. this is so powerful in its imagery – and knowing the metaphoric aspects of it I am even more deeply moved… Bless you , my friend!
I don’t recall ever reading a poem about a roller coaster ride. If I read another poem on this topic, I feel sure it would not measure up to your California Scream. Excellent imagery, Marnie. I swayed, leaned and lost my breath as I read your words. Gravity scorned me too as I hung upside down.
Love it….over the brink like yesterday’s garbage lol. Great analogy! And I can so relate to the roller coaster of emotions. It’s so good that we writers can at least put our feelings to paper. Congratulations on also taking the plunge and starting your blog Marnie!!
Oh how I want to go to Cali…
Thanks 🙂