The Funfair of Life

An eerie silence enshrouds,
Closing tightly around
My ears and neck until
I shiver violently.

I’m asked this question often.
Would I step on again
Knowing the grief and pain
Each ride forced me to endure?

The park is deserted now.
Mirror trees stretch down low
As a sprinkling of stars
Sparkle in the evening glow.

The funfair, that promised fun,
Inspired an appetite
For magic and mystique,
But only disappointed.

Our lives are a roundabout,
That entices each sense
With each new twist and turn
Until we’re spent and ashen.

The proud carousel horses,
Gracious in their beauty,
Cantering, galloping
Ride us the ride of our lives.

Big Dipper takes us up slowly,
Inviting us to view
Each changing scene and hue
Then discards us callously.

The evil ghost train screeches,
Spectres that laugh and scream.
Vile spit-spats so mocking
Tear tears down faces so cream.

Ferris Wheel you wield and deal,
Calculating our risks,
Yet knowing we’re safe –
As each high and low we feel.

Lastly, the rollercoaster,
The master of all tricks
Takes you on a journey
That spins so quick, like the switch.

Be careful, though, this monster
Is ruthless and cruel
And cares not for feelings –
It’s power that drives this beast.

On reflection of your day,
The cellophane surface
Of the millpond shimmers
In a silky, milky way.

Would you ride again, you ask?
Was any of it fun?
Did you learn, with each turn,
Or were the lessons too hard?