Roller Coaster

The painfully slow initial ascent
mechanism clattering
straining
as it pulls you to the top
and for a split second, you are there
above everything
a feeling of elation
just before
the rapid acceleration
of the descent
faster you free fall
then up again seeming to float
out of yourself
then back down
corkscrewing through a maze
screaming through the loop
back up again
only to descend
hitting corners at a breakneck pace
thrown to the side, then back
to the other side
ascend
descend
ascend
breathless, panting
as you slow, back at the bottom
and you think
'now I will get off of this thing'
but the bar will not move
and the face of the man at the controls
is contorted in a hellish glee
as he throws the lever
and you begin the ride again