County Fair

I remember, as a small girl
Being mesmerized by
The explosion of color
Against the backdrop of the summer night sky

Glittering, twinkling, flashing fluorescents
Reds, greens, blues
Advertising their excitement
And offers of adrenaline

The smells of anticipation
Grease, dust, sweets, animals
Filled my nose in a kaleidoscope
That made my tummy reel uneasily

Wandering here and there
Scents ebb and flow
Making my way through bulging bellys
And whip-like teens

Wading through booths of floating ducks
And scarred bowling pins
Through ponies plodding in pointless circles
To the fair ride as big as two houses

Waiting in line, I clenched my ticket
And plastic bag full of clouds
Of sky blue sugar, clouds that melted
And left stains on my tongue and fingertips.

~hmv003