Churning Stairwells

Butter
we're not
but growing up
living through revolving rides
ups
downs
centrifugal forces
once free movement
becomes hampered
creating arrhythmic breathing
like recovering from
a linebacker tackle at scrimmage

As a child
fun house barrels
bring giggles and laughs

By adolescence
hormones rage
anything is possible
save ignoring rules of science

For

Caught in the vortex of one's movement
circling by ever-increasing speed
pushes one's childhood innocence to the walls
identity
that which felt secure
the center of stability
reaches back in
willing to take hold of anything
providing control
an anchor once again
reattachment to the nucleus

But

Time advances
inertia's safety
no longer in view

Longing for Life's spin to stop
we await exhaustion
from youth's maelstrom
once eagerly climbed upon
like Escher's Relativity
where counter-force instinctive ruled

Tomorrow's reality appears

Our grip becomes but rusted barbs
eroding
crumbling
made to embrace
usherance back to infancy
languid pats ensue
upon the head
upon the shoulders
upon book covers of prayers

Finally

The package slows to a halt
Life's churned experience
becomes carefully preserved
wrapped
sealed
lowered
secure once again
six feet below
celebration in progress