Moving ground - stephen piazza

When I was small, I feared escalators-

I didn’t like the thought of moving ground. 

I’d have to hold my father’s hand before 

Stepping, so that I wouldn’t be drowned 

In the metal teeth. Carpal lifesaver. 

Moving stairways and water both conceal 

Where I’ll end up. I think about lovers

This way too. Marriage, unrequited feel-

ings, sex and only that. Divine the end

Before the start. A safety precaution.

A different hand to hold while I descend.

But, right now, I barely feel the motion-

We’re dancing on moving ground, me and him. 

People like us, we're not supposed to swim.