Ferris Wheel Mishap
First one wire snaps.
Like a tape measure, it shoots
to the ground; like the bow string after
the arrow is released, the wire vibrates.
Then the slap of others snaking away.
The children hear the hum, then
movement begins – the roll.
They clutch the metal bars, they hold
onto each other. It’s too late. The gondolas
attached to the rim empty
of their passengers. Goodbye, pleasure wheel, goodbye.