Rain kissed the pavement last night between damp breezes, as we walked across the lot. The residual smell of car fluids and water on a heated ground left a bad scent in our noses and a bad taste in our mouths.
The dirty, humid air made our flesh feel sticky.
Wrong.
The building before us was aflame with lights, music, and strange arcadic noises. Bells, whistles and alarms went off in every direction and robotic figures of pirates swung swords and promised us a "grand time" - though the parking spaces were bare.
We entered; and the waiting cool air stuck to our wet skin like sin.
Alone.
We circled the interior - slightly drawn to few games here and there. More promises to "Win This" or "Win That" flashed in neon or strobe lights behind warmed glass.
The doors were locked.
It was lonely. The non-existent sound of a place where childrens playing, seemed as if it should never die; had.
Only recorded laughter played now, over a Public Announcement system for no one to hear in the madness of this place. Subconciously it spurred happy atmospheres at the most crowded times.
Now...just a reminder of everything missed out on.
Laughter exploded out of the speakers around us from children who may have no longer existed...so many years later.
Happiness was not being served. Lights were shutting off...and a dark figure in the corner watched us from the shadows as he lazily mopped the floor.
We left.
The plea to "Come Again" rang deaf on our ears as we ran to our cars and vanished for better places. Better meanings. Better times.
With the building of lights, and electronic characters behind us. We left to enjoy each others company.
Something we could have done, without ever spending a dime.
Author notes
Last night, me and a friend decided to meet up for the first time and hang out. Went to Adventure Landing in Raleigh, NC only to realize we'd gotten there with just 30 minutes left...and they were closing early. It was fine though, we had a better time getting a couple of drinks at a "hole in the wall" bar we were both semi-fond of and played pool instead.
An amusement park, or arcade places like this are a pain in the rear when they're full and you have to wait in lines to get on a ride, or to play a game. Only until you're the only person there - do you realize how lonely it really is to be alone.
A contest entry
- The Very Smell Of Poetry by CarolDesjarlais.
875 points, ended May 20, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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This is jamb-packed with images that are so evocative. Although the format belies its genre, there is something wonderful and draws the reader in. Thank you so much for entering it...what a trip!
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It has been years since I went to an amusement park. I wonder if the stillness of such a place in the dark, and rain would be too eerie for me to enjoy, especially if I were alone. Your images and metaphors are stellar here poet. I wish you well in the challenge.
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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Nice poem. Evoked a lot of images and feelings as it went along. You cannot force people to have a good time and you probably can't stop them either. Personally find amusement parks like a trip on bad acid, Creepy!
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