A SUMMER EVENING
I am eight years old and walk from the trolley stop to the
amusement park. My aunt and older sister are with me. From two blocks away, odors of cotton candy,
hot dogs, fried fish. The wind from the
ocean sweeps these odors in and out, along with the noise.
beyond the park lights–
the growing darkness
of the sea
The fat lady with her maniacal laugh stands at the entrance
to the fun house. Too scared to go in;
too scared to wait outside alone.
sneaking a peek
in the darkened tunnel–
eyes half shut
Any ride we want, my aunt says. The giant Ferris wheel,
caterpillar, bumper cars. Rides my father would not allow.
screams and laughter
on the roller coaster–
which is mine?
I try games of chance and skill. The penny toss, spin the wheel, pop the
balloons. Have neither skill nor luck and leave with no prize and a long
face. "Cheer up," my aunt
says. "Time for one more
ride."
The merry-go-round. The best for last. I choose a big black
and white horse. An outside horse, one
that moves up and down. No stationary
animal for me. Gaining speed. The
calliope pumping a tune, quick and gay. I reach for the brass ring. Arms way too short. Next year, I think.
head held back
whirling into the wind
a taste of sea salt
Frogpond
winte 2006(revised from published version)
