Wonderland Pier

a few years back two riders died on Wild Wonder

clicking, clicking now above our heads

preparing for the drop

the cars got stuck on their track before the crash

I’m scared, but after my shift I climb

into my seat, strap in

for you, your knees pressed into my back

when gravity shifts we hold our arms high

for the photo and on to the Ferris Wheel

where at the top my friend leaves us

long enough to smoke a blunt.

the sun hasn’t fully set yet

and we can see the whole crescent city

as it spoons the Atlantic—

tides pulling closer, pulling closer

then pulling away