Steel Pier

Swirls of foam smile, frown, and
smile again through openings
between boardwalk slats. The slits
are the ocean's eyes as the great

envied one peeks up in envy at
skeeball winners trading rectangular
paper nothings for teddy bears and
sherbet-speckled bed buddies.

Whirling teacup rides spin salt into
sugary perfume while ferris wheels
interlock fingers and eyes, as
though realizing the transience of

these nights. Knuckle-dragging ape
transforms into upright man in five
easy steps, and who are we to say
different? Tuft of strawberry cotton

is the ultimate kiss goodnight, the
proverbial cherry, the breadcrumbs
that lead me back the following
evening in moon-tempered heat.