Empty Handed

I reach, stretching for that elusive brass ring, holding onto what I believe is my dream Sitting there beyond the giraffe and the zebra, shining for those smiling riders holding it in their hands I watch, still stretching as the glow beckons from their fingers, small shavings of light Teasing me as I go around again and again, stuck to cotton candy remnants on a popcorn strewn saddle Snickering, giggling little children with plastic daisies in their hair find humor in my desperation Hearing in motioned questions, the happy music blaring from neon mirrors reflecting this fading image Spinning slower, the rabbit no longer moves up and down as laughter replaces the calliope melodies I exit, empty handed looking back at the big smiling clown waving goodbye, realizing it is just a sign of things to come