there remains a tainted
luminescence down here
through the cracks

enough lamplight to view
the hope of those
that you let slip

it’s an amusement
park of clarity,
the line forms daily

you must be
at least this tall
to experience this ride

participation is the journey
of yet another prodigal son
I will return informally wizened

until that time, my
job will be carney, hawking
the happiest place on hell

© Tom Watters  6/1/06