A CAROUSEL OF BECOMING

With its flashing bright lights,
music blaring odd tunes,
it’s colorful horses,
decorated zebras
and other embellished
great creatures found in zoos.

They follow each other,
in an endless loop,
of a circular chase,
going nowhere quick.

I wonder if it’s worth
two tickets to ride here,
aware of what I see
but blind to what may lurk
behind the song and dance,
of this fair’s attraction.

The skeptic within me,
expected not a thing,
but a petty paycheck
covering the little,
big high school expenses
a teenager faces.

He talked all but minutes.
Explaining all the rules,
before telling me that,
“You are hired starting
tomorrow, July first.”
I was taken aback.

I accepted the job,
as he handed me forms
to complete, like tickets
needed before riding.

He shared all the glitter,
albeit not of gold,
but of screaming riders,
racing down crowded halls
on their way to find the
next best carnival ride.

He began to tell me,
“Seeing all their smiles,
hearing all their laughter,
is in its own reward.”

Then went on to tell me,
“It’s not just about the
paycheck but the impact
you will leave on their souls.”
By now his words, a blur,
I waited for my turn.

With a bit of self-doubt,
not truly knowing what to expect,
I boarded with doubt but,
with enthusiasm.

Noting I only brought,
my determination,
loyalty and willing
to give my all and more.

I changed seats a few times
before my ride’s last spin.
the colors stayed vibrant,
and the music still played.

Coming to a complete stop,
I exit with one last look,
it seemed like nothing changed,
but after many turns,
I noticed everything
about me changed that day.

All because of a chance
given to me by that
gentle soul who believed
in offering me more.