Carousel

Whenever I see a horse decked out in fancy tack or going round in circles, it always takes me back to a part of my childhood I remember so well - riding the carnival’s calliope carousel. We’d purchase the tickets and the minutes we would count until that gate opened and we’d race for our own mount. The horses were all decorated in brightly colored array and my favorite was a jumping horse, a big dappled grey. It was exhilarating fun to sit on that equine toy. I’d fantasize about me being a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy. I loved the happy music as the racing horses spun and I hated to dismount when the carousel was done. Some kids would only ride for five minutes or so, then they would lose interest and off they would go. But I wouldn’t leave until they finally shut it down. It was a circle of happiness, that wonderful merry-go- round