Speed Wobble

You know that feeling

When you are cruising down a hill

On a skateboard

Or maybe a scooter or bike

And you get going

Faster

And faster

And faster

Until you are far beyond

Your ability to steer?

.

You correct to the left

Then over correct to the right

Then back left

Then violently back right

Heave Ho 

Heave Ho 

Gyrating

To and fro

Until suddenly 

With a violent lurch

You are thrown free

A millisecond of weightless

Anticipation

Before you crash to the ground

Road rashes and bruises

And sprains and breaks

The ripped holes in clothes

As the blood begins to flow

.

That’s our society

As I type this

We are all on one skateboard

Lurching left

Veering right

Wobbling with speed

Hurtling toward oblivion

Willing to try anything

To avoid a crash 

Except slow down.