The carousel ride

is ending

just like it always does

But this time

I though it would spin around forever

The horses are vibrant and angelic

lights sparkle with a fancy yet familiar shine

the music bolted and boomed like thunder

like the summertime storm that's finally going to water your garden

after a month of drought.

all of the colors and laughter and dancing in dizzy excitement

But of course

the carousel ride

is ending

just like it always does

The music starts to slow

and it's more discordant than I remember

no summertime thunder

while the horses' eyes begin to bulge and their bodies grotesquely cavort

everyone else leaves the ride

but I want to cling on to my hope

The lightbulbs are

one

by

one

shattering until

I am left in the

dark

lonely

silence

the carousel ride has ended

just like

it always does