Daddies Girl

the smell of Carmel corn fills the air – I think of you Dad your hand in mine, four steps to your one the carousel music scores happiness bells of laughter ting-a-ling-ing Cotton candy, pink as bazooka bubble gum, melts to sugary paste on teeth and tongue you are there Dad, hanky in hand spit bathing my four year old cheeks moon-faced, eyes crinkled lifted skyward as the horses stop I pick the girlie one but sit straddled you pinch my knees and pull down my skirt muscle man strong -- your hands strap me in they rest after on the small of my back as I rise then I come [the brass pole all gummy from my hands] last week we walked the country fair my hand now as big as yours aged like two apple dolls, we meander you buy me cotton candy spit on your thumb and wipe it from my cheek