Happy Hampton Beach

Glistening throngs walk in detached cadence Sweating long necks on a production line Along the boardwalk Pungent saltwater and fried dough drifts Ocean meets country fair Constant clamor of teen and seagull A multitude of color variation Red to black Whiffs of Coppertone and Noxzema To ease the pain of the vain and pale Summer at Happy Hampton Beach Arcade upon arcade Clinking bells and whirly sounds “You’re a Winner!” it screams And then we are gone, until next year