Carousels and Candy Floss

Childhood memories cherished and remote recollections
Emerging in magnified clarity encourage renewed perceptions
Open air big screen films referred to as “Drive-Ins”
A regular Saturday night treat — family car, excitement within

After eating our packed picnic snack
Permission asked to play — promises to come back
Our greatest thrill sat under the huge white screen
Amusement ride — galloping flying horses — enchanting scene
Carousel rotating — fairground organ — a musical ride
Merry-go-round — gilded horse ballet, dancing with pride

Some high on poles, interspersed benches —
These were placed for the less adventurous
Waiting patiently, the ride slows down
Small minds choosing horses to call their own
Rushing to mount our fantasy up high
Small feet in stirrups, as wooden horses fly

The candy floss man stands on the side
Inflated packets — pale pink, blue and white divide
Cotton wool, sugary treats entice as we wait
Melt in the mouth moments to keep us awake.

— Kim van Breda

A writer, skillfully disguised as a Professional Counselor, Kim van Breda is passionate about counseling children and adolescents through play therapy specializing in Trauma Therapy and Trauma Debriefing. Hailing from South Africa, Kim enjoys the freedom to express her creative side by using writing as a therapeutic escape from an otherwise hectic lifestyle. The Bar None Group thanks Kim for allowing us to share Carousels and Candy Floss with our readers.