Seven

More times around she told me directly as I pushed the merry go round clockwise Her little right arm and hand stretched out as if to catch the wind itself, both her little feet planted firmly on the worn sandy wooden platform I counted, watching her hold on with only her small left hand, fingers squeezing tightly The playground amusement slowed to a halt, her face spoke of utter disappointment Five Do over, she said Grabbing the handle tight with my strong thick fingers, I looked into her eyes and nodded Neither speaking but knowing a better result was not only expected but necessary I started to run, fast, faster than last time as her little hand gripped the pole tightly With a giant thrust I sent the merry go round spinning real fast this time Her long curly hair was blown back as the old playground standby spun; once, twice quickly An excited high pitched squeal emanated from it as; three, four, five turns went speeding by I stood and watched as it slowed her eyes wide and filled with excitement. Six, still turning as it slowed You did it, you did it, she shouted, jumping up and down, clapping her hands She jumped off and into my arms and said Seven Do over