An Evening at the Roller Kingdom
An Evening at the Roller Kingdom
I
On wild carpet we wait for open rink
where son will make a quiet lady laugh
who waits patiently to choreograph
a pirouette on skates with side eye wink.
A young boy waits for window to open
allowing him to pay his last dollar
away from feeling ten o’clock scholar
to skate and play a newly found token.
This week our trials and tribulations soared
and led us to this broken arcade game
a multi-colored laser disco ball.
A Bruno Mars song through large speakers roared
and for a moment fantasize our fame
while concentrating will so not to fall.
II
This downtown Roller Kingdom where the young
will spend their time instead of staying home
a collection of kids ready to roam
to dance on roller skates while ABBA sung.
A greying man in sweats tries twirling fast
and completes spin with a successful smile
then looks to find a witness on the mile
under yellow moon he replays his past.
Where you think in a four beat, maybe five,
a Grandma who skates as a profession
still takes her grand daughter to local rink
with new Mickey Mouse roller skates at five.
Grandma wears her sequins as confession
comes skating passed to give grand kids wink.
III
Some skaters wear costumes by “Libby”
with ex Olympic Figure Skating style
or older skaters who still wear argyle
in rink located within their city.
A Roller Derby Girl wears skates with skulls
with skulls and crossbones wearing pink ribbon
when playing Derby she becomes villain
but tonight she is showing off her skills.
A teenage boy with pony tail will glide
with grace between these individuals
to concentrate on where his feet must go.
Some quiet dancers move their hips like tide
and keep the beat through practiced rituals
as they escape into a calming glow.
III
Such a quick ride through tunnel to Tamil
which felt like escape from our daily home
a chance for family to breathe and roam
to skate at Kingdom we will have our fill.
The sequins on her costume will reflect
the multi-colored lighting from the ball
and shadows from the dance begin to fall
even the younger skaters feel effect.
After they close they head to ice cream shop
the shop around the corner called “Friendly’s”
that stays open so they can stay out late.
Where Grandma enjoys a Grape soda pop
each grand daughter enjoys ice cream Sundaes’
and share “Friendly’s” French Fries upon a plate.
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I had a delightful time at the Roller Kingdom, Jamie. Your poetry is so “real” and current. Loved it.
Thank you John.
Such fun at Roller Kingdom! Well done, Jamie.
Thank you Phyllis.