Boardwalk - Edited.

Boardwalk, where do you lead? How many
feet have strolled upon your faded wood?
Do you have stories in your years less
than mine?

You carry people to a greater place than
I shall find.

Has anyone stumbled into her shallow waters?
My words hiss insults as she trembles,
snaking away from me. Faithful boardwalk
you are forever beneath me.

She says our path is never straight.
Neither are you. Boardwalk: you wind,
cavorting between bush and lake -- a bridge
to that harmonious relationship.

You bleed amber as they hammer you down.
Rhythmic tapping drowns out your disputes.
Muted by the bodies, only I can hear you.

Why do you not shiver when the icy breezes
roll off the ripples? I scuffed off
the last of your ingrained glory. My soles
took your coat, it is not refundable.