Until We Get It

My hands slid across the rail pausing for a moment, grasping, holding tightly.

Looking down I could see the white paint worn away in spots.  Perhaps others before me nervously held on, full of excitement and wonder.

But how many kids does it take to wear the paint down?  How many small hands does it take to remove the white from a wooden rail?

Up one step, then two.  Pausing, looking back, stepping up slightly and waiting.

Waiting was the most difficult part.   It always seemed to take forever.  But at that age I had forever.  We all thought we did.

The bell rings.  The platform stops and dozens of kids head for front.  The first kids on always got the best spots.

But really,  what was best?  To me it was sitting just inside the circle.  I didn't need to be on the outside.

I still don't.

I wanted action.  My life ahead would be filled with ups and downs, this would teach me how to ride with the best of them.

I blinked my eyes and there was nothing.  No laughter.  No bells.  No music.

No Merry-go-round.

It was gone.  Has been for decades now.  But, it is but a memory away for me these days.

I can see it all so vividly. I can hear the drum beat steadily and the music blare. I can smell the cotton candy. I can taste the fresh cut fries.

But best of all for me right now... I can see my family smiling back at me,  just by closing my eyes.

Like life going full circle you ride until the bell rings or until they close the park.

"And the merry-go-round broke down. It made an awful sound. The lights went low We both said "Oh!" and the merry-go-round went oomp bop ba!"

They can close the park, they can sell the rides, but they can't take away the kid inside.

Come, ride the merry-go-round with me and we'll keep trying for the brass ring "until we get it."

~ Bob Perks ~
2believe@comcast.net

[ by: Bob Perks Copyright © 2007 (2believe@comcast.net) -- {used with permission} ]