Merry-Go-Round

My Grandpa took me to a park
We were wandering around
We walked into a meadow and
I spied a Merry-Go-Round

Tucked behind a lacy fence
And under picket roof
All the painted ponies stood
Each kickin’ up a hoof

The smell of peanuts roasting
In a little house of brick
I studied each worthy steed
To try and make my pick

“I think I’ll ride the pretty Bay
With roses ‘round her neck”
I rushed to buy my ticket
Told the Barker of my pick

“Aye, she’s a good one” he belted out
As he took the coins from me
He motioned me to stand in line
Beneath an old oak tree

The Barker opened up the gate
Let all of us inside
Hurrying to grab our steeds
We all mounted for the ride

The calliope began to play
A worn and rusty tune
As the rumble of the motor gears
Filled the little room

“Hold on tight” my Grandpa yelled
As my horse began to rise
He waved his hand and blew a kiss
There was laughter in his eyes

Faster, faster, higher, down
My pony taking flight
I eyed the golden ring ahead
Gleaming, shiny-bright

I sat up tall and reached way out
To try and catch the band
I grabbed the ring, closed my fist
Then slipped it on my hand

Too soon the ride was over
It was time to climb back down
Grandpa said “You got the ring”
“You’ve won another round”

“I think I’ll save it Grandpa”
“Come back another day”
Very shortly after that
My Grandpa passed away

I never took that next free ride
And I kept that brassy band
I hold it now to sense the touch
Of my Grandpa’s loving hand

Sherry Gail Heim, May 8, 2002
Copyright © Sherry Gail Heim 2002