County fair..

dversepoets.com  Gay Cannon asks us to write using the word "fair" in any of its forms..

She won a big teddy bear, a monkey,
ate cinnamon elephant ears, first time
I carried her home, her curls in my face,
tucked her in, kissed her goodnight, and I knew
she'd sleep and dream the same dreams as did I

Of lights and mirrors and painted horses,
going 'round, first time on the Ferris wheel;
blurred faces, wide eyed wonder flashing by,
a balloon pops, some ice cream, then a squeal

Aromas of caramel corn, peanuts,
fried onions rings, freshly baked scones with jam;
buttery corn, sticky cotton candy,
it was a thrill to pet a goat or a lamb

A lively barker gathers a crowd while
teens hold hands, buy tickets for wilder rides
play games with darts, hammers, baseballs, and coins
Went in the fun house, come out the other side

Taking off her boots, memories come back
the kind of fun found only once each year
when we go to the county fair all day
I remember grandpa carry me home
when the sky turned soft pink, violet and grey