The Fair, by Lois Perch Villemaire

Amusement, photography by Julene Waffle (USA) contemporary

​The Fair
 
He saves up money all summer 
hoping his mother will slip him 
an extra dollar or two. 
Off with his brothers and cousins 
cutting through yards
hints of winter teasing 
his one-square mile Vermont town.
 
At the edge of the fairgrounds 
they jump the fence
make their way to the barns
familiar smell of manure
to inspect blue ribbon hopefuls
cows, pigs, chickens.
 
Taking a seat in the grandstands
inhaling the aroma of hot dogs
he unwraps his peanut butter sandwich
coins pooled for a shared bag of fries
attention turns to the demo derby
and dare-devil stunt car drivers.
 
They dash to the midway, 
hands in pockets jiggling loose change
ready to part with it for the rides
especially the dive bomber. 
Smiles and screams
running along dusty paths
from one ride to the next.
 
Dusk reveals colourful bright lights 
outlining the shapes of the rides
music of the carousel fading
skies darken as they amble home 
tired, empty pockets, glancing back
at blinking, flashing colours 
he will remember for years.
 
Lois Perch Villemaire

This poem was first published at Cabochon Review.

Lois Perch Villemaire is a poet and collage artist from Annapolis, MD. She is the author of My Eight Greats and Eyes at the Edge of the Woods. Her work has appeared in a number of anthologies, journals, and magazines both in-print and online. Last Leaves, Thimble Literary Magazine, and Anti Heroin Chic have published her artwork. Lois is a contributing writer to AARP-The Ethel. A Pushcart nominee, she works part time at the public library and propagates African violets. Recently, she became a proud great-grandmother to twin boys.