Walking on past
the crisp winter beach
Ahead loomed a building
well within reach
Old not deserted
with hints of Huck Finn
We wondered what treasures
lied there within
Post office? Museum?
Let’s not be misled
Let’s see for ourselves
we decided instead
Inside musty smells
and floors of dark wood
A gift shop to the right
where the ticket booth stood
The ceilings stretched high
above walls painted white
And just past the entrance
a magnificent sight
Filling the room
as if caught in a spell
A feast for our eyes—
a huge carousel
Carved horses and elephants
and ostrich in lace
In carnival colors
all circling its base
With childlike wonder
we had wandered inside
Without hesitation
we decided to ride
We boarded our steeds
with more caution than grace
And smiled at each other
awaiting the race
Around went the room
as we rode hand-in-hand
Her eyes were sparkling
as we circled the stand
Gaining speed round we went
til the dizzying whirl
Took us back to the time
we were still boy and girl
Remembering youth
fond memories a haze
Of childhood parks
in calliope days
The joy in her laughter
my own did meet
Our hearts warm within
made the day feel complete