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Inspiration for the Spirit

A lovely place to wander for poetry and inspiration to soothe the soul

Home ▷ Tom Schmidt ▷ Carousel Dreams

Carousel Dreams

by Tom Schmidt

carouselWalking 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

Copyright © 2003 Tom Schmidt • All rights reserved.

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