Fairground

To follow the amassing throngs
to feel the babble and the chatter
hear the Sousa strains and march along
each step, it meant closer the better

round each corner, bends the crowded road
excitement rose, a glow disguised
beyond the arch it lay reveled, exposed
the hawkers chide, first ride, first ride

wild horses trampling hooves
open mouths and eyes that stare
rise and fall and gallop wild
do I feel a touch of mal de mer

endless circle waltzer rides
my mind spinning the only fare
 repeated undulations just like stormy tide
not to soon the sirens blare

driven on to greater heights
like the coconuts Im not to shy
the wall of death with Motor bikes
adrenaline and roaring ,the daredevil flies

laughing clowns with open mouths
mock and shake their heads
do you have the balls they shout
and take the ride you rely dread

the dodgems  arcing wheels  and tracer lights
the turns that life that bumpy ride
a chicane of jolts and thumps
loud music from the speakers pump

octopus with  outstretched arms
seems beguine and draws you on
swimming leaving you so un-becalmed
you a sucker for its charms

candy floss twisted on a stick
hot dogs in a bun thats split
toffee apples for you to lick
to a health freak just a blip

the Ferris wheel  looks so tall
locked in its little seats you sit
one eye open as it sails
not a treat for the acrophobic

the next rides pretentiousness
is not disguised
in carriages of twenty five
its rails they climb and twist and dive
the unwary should think more than twice

to board this  white knuckle train
with trembling knees and sweaty brow
to leave a self inflicted stain
that trepidation would not show

a jolt, my brain unscrewed my stomach cramped
I held on tight with just one hand
I screamed please God Ive not been bad
would the  G forces show in the photographs

My children said Ah we're coming to a stop
the blood rushed back to my head
my dizziness had cleared a lot
 again again they chant, perhaps next year I said