Ups and Downs So Fast

Waiting in anticipativ quietness

I don’t know when it will be

Will it disappoint or will it bless

The light opening up and letting me see.

.

The start begins in just a few seconds,

A lifesaving hug — now I cannot move.

I’ll face it alone, stripped of all weapons,

So hold on tight — I’ll hold to my groove.

.

Up and up slowly it goes

light and wind strikes your cheek

the view is breathtaking – God knows

when for first time I will get to the peak.

.

Then it happens - I fall at full speed

no chance to regret – just follow and scream

I lose contact and tangle my feet

I am on my way – it’s fucking supreme!

.

In high speed I am thrown to the right

Knuckles white from gripping the bar

Remember to breathe and keep up my sight

Hey now upside down – please stop the car!

.

But it tilts me around, this is life

Again and again, right - left, up and down

Where will it end – straight in a strife?

My old heart pounds – will I make it to the crown?

.

The screams around me come and go

Some are loud – other roaring raw

All of a sudden everything is slow

the last minute seen through a straw.

.

I take my first step wobbly on the ground

Hurry away – letting others get on

I am happy – everything feels sound

The Roller Coaster ride was so much fun!

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✍️ Author’s Note:

At the age of 60, I found myself visiting a major amusement park for the first time since childhood. Back then, I rode my very first roller coaster in the magical setting of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

A lot has happened in between.

Life, in all its ups and downs, has been the real roller coaster – full of unexpected turns, heart-stopping moments, and sudden flashes of joy. This poem is not just about a ride in a theme park. It’s about the ride we all take, sometimes screaming, sometimes laughing — but always moving forward.