i took her riding

this time my venue, not hers

mine was this little park

where we would steal away

paddle boats thru the geese and ducks

she would always pack up bread

i always gave her notice

she would buy the better bread

the day old the bakery dumps cheap

it is healthier she will tell you

but my magic moment is the carousel

round and round we go

back in line to do it again

holding onto the bar i lean in

to grab a kiss from my girl

as the music and horses dance in a wonderland

the Wurlitzer organ fills the air with a bewitchment

we join parents and children in the magic

later we retire upon a bench

from her bag appears our humble offerings

the ducks and geese beg at our feet

she delights in each morsel she throws

the happiness she wears on her face

i see Mother Goose in the crowd approving

drakes and hens galore with ducklings

the beauty of joy fills her eyes

to love her is to share her

such a small price to pay

to ride the carousel hand in hand

the alchemy in whirling horses and music

from an age long gone now

my treasure, a moment all to myself with her

the thrill i still have with stolen kisses

3/2/19