Carnival

I’m here,

at this carnival.

I’m surrounded by laughter, shrieks, and giggles.

I’ve prepared for this event for two weeks.

My breath tastes like toothpastes, my hair smells recently shampooed.

I had cheerios this morning.

I make my way to the lemonade stand,

I’m parched from the warmth of the sun.

I sit in the shade of a bubble gum machine.

It’s rainbow colors make me

Cheerful.

I slip my sandals off and feel the cool grass with my bare toes.

I look around…

A woman is pulling her son through a line

Of excited coaster-fanatics.

 One of the boy’s bright blue Heart-balloons

Slips out of his clammy white palm.

I catch it

 and grip it tight.

I won’t let it float away.

 

Not today not ever.