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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2007

Poem

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Jordan Avatar
March 8, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Christian I just want to say congratulations on having your poetry featured this last week – God Bless, MJ
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
March 3, 2009 at 9:16 AM
"Seven" is a story of special moments. Beautifuklly done. Congratulations on it being featured. Vince
Mason Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Exactly ... always "do over" ... smile ... what a wonderful write here, Christian full of the child-like love of play!! This is just a very well-deserved selection to be a feature this week at the Soup. Congratulations!
Brown Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Congratulations on your excellent poetry being featured this week Christian. Love, Carol
Larson Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 7:50 AM
Christian ~ The round swing ~ here is a neat follow up story. My friend, from Iowa, Eddie Andersen, deceased three years, actually invented the round swing! He was from Denmark - I go by them all of the time. The original (now hard to find) was carved out of wood - the thing in Denmark. Eddie, when he passed on, I went to the local playground with a small child, told her the story. We played, and then placed flowers on the swing, commenting "Here's one for the gipper!" Paula
Winter Avatar
March 2, 2009 at 5:54 AM
Wow! So sorry I ever missed this. Awesome write! Warmest congrats Christian on your featured write. Love, Shar
 Avatar
March 1, 2009 at 5:48 PM
You've got me smiling with this one. Reminds me of when our girls were little. Thank you for sharing this poem with us. Congratulations on having it featured. I wish you ongoing success with your writing. Karen
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