Elon Green
on the tiltawhirl

the strap digs my ribs deep grooves as the invisible axis rotates breathlessly
pennies dimes susan b anthony dollars roll across the ride

across the way leah grins at me she can see the back of my seat
i'm not transparent I tell her. She grins disbelieving her hair flying sharply left

catherine sits next to her, her slight flat nose flaring
i needed some attention she says I wasn't that hard to please

catherine waves at jenny, her silky stray hair horizontal
jenny cracks a smile f--- you she says where were you on my birthday

she flips me the bird as I get punched in the ribs by denise
how are you? I say happy and pregnant she retorts…oh.

but cassie I say you're doing well, right?
you bet I am e, she says. Ever since I met remy, and forgot you

as my strap is undone, they chant in syncopated harmony
e, you foolish little boy. We'll let you go this time…let you go this time…

<< Back to Issue 3, 2000