The Annual County Carnival

The carnival came once a year. My friends and I could hardly wait. The lively music reached us long before we ever reached the gate. We’d pay our dollar to get in and join in with the jostling throng. Our laughter added to the noise-- that wild, discordant, happy “song.” “Come win a goldfish—over here!” “No thanks!” I held my money tight. The Ferris Wheel and Tilt-a-Whirl caused us to squeal with pure delight. Now grandkids cheer from creaking rides, the ones I fear I rode back in the sixties! Now I cringe feet from the grinding gears. The screeching fades and they emerge. We make our way around the fair. I hear a shout: “Win goldfish. It’s your lucky night!” I say, “No thanks” because I doubt it is. The fair in some respects is as it was when I was ten— the jolly music and the maze of noisy rides and people. When the youngsters’ grand experience has ended, I’ll go home and lie in bed and think of just how fast those childhood pleasures pass us by.