Carousel

Silent horses Shiny coats Faded dull Wait in an empty carousel. Once they were ready to charge Dependable and brave Rows of wooden horses mounted on posts Moving up and down Galloping to the accompaniment of Gypsy music On wings that could go anywhere A young imagination wished. Darkness comes again Shadows move in the dim light Memories Of families watching Children Wind in their hair Caught in the thrill of the ride Wanting to go Round and round The carousel Just one more time. The hurdy gurdy music Plays Louder and louder Daring young hands To reach for the brass ring And all their dreams. In the morning mist The Gypsies break camp Speaking in whispers Fires are dampened Guitars put away Wagons moved out Past farms And open fields As the Vagabonds Continue their sad journey In search of another carousel.