Carousel
The children squeal their delight
as the moving rainbows
Carry them gently past
the elusive treasure just out of reach
"One more ride daddy," she pleads
her face flush with joy
He digs deep into his pocket
to pay the man again
And wonders about his life, going
round and round, nowhere in particular
His dreams further out of reach each passing year
as he hums the music of the ride
Untitled
Standing silently and helplessly
with hands clasped behind them
Necks straining to watch
the agile hands working
Hoping for a miracle
as the frigid wind
Brings them closer
on this desolate street
But the sounds make it clear
despite his best, there will be no miracles
The man shakes his head
and calls the tow truck
The Waiting Room
The door moans its protest
when opened
Like a cranky old man
given a reason to complain
Leading into a room
of shadows
Lined with wooden chairs
built to cause pain
Pale adults stare
suddenly neglecting
Magazines they weren't reading
their eyes dissecting
And I'm certain the stillness
will become a grave
When the nurse calls me, like an angel
and leads me away to save
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"Trust me," the voice coos
in a silky tone
Just beyond my recognition
it is movement at the edge of a fog
"Take my hand," it sings
I hesitate
The path is unknown to me
despite my fear and pain
"You can not know my road"
"Although you have always known you will travel it"
"Call me Justice; rich and poor become equals"
"When we meet"
But I know your true name
greatest of thieves
You steal away the last of my life
As I place my hand in yours