Merry-Go-Round

When I was young
I loved the merry-go-round
Excited at each turn
Eyes wide in anticipation
Laughing; screaming
As the world went by
All a colorful blur
The music loud; senseless
Caused my grip to tighten
As my smile grew wide
Half dizzy by the sounds
Melting around me
Into a wild symphony
Yes, I loved the merry-go-round
...when I was young

Now, much older
I have no fondness
For the wild abandon
The senseless blur
Of the merry-go-round
That seemingly never stops
With screams and music growing
Pounding my brain
Causing near panic
No...I do not smile
As my eyes search
The smear of colors
For a familiar face
I must get off
This merry-go-round of yours
If I could only release
My hands that grip so tight