Expansion Joints

The traffic is stalled in a shimmering heat,

and the river is moving beneath my own feet.

Through the steel of the grate, the water is black,

a long way to go if the cables should crack.

The wheel in my hands starts to shiver and hum,

making the tips of my fingers go numb.

It’s a low, heavy note that vibrates the bone,

on a bridge full of cars where I’m sitting alone.