Remind me-
of Friday night parade rains
or antique engines’ stutter.
Describe how-
the air hangs with roasted beef, fried dough, and the stale yeastiness of the beer pit.
Meet me-
near the cake wheel, past the show animals but just before the prized produce.
Hold me-
on the whirling rides as they toss us that way and this.
Kiss me-
in each corner of these sacred grounds,
the country fair to which all others can’t compare.
Return with me-
year after year.
Just you and for a while,
and then a stroller in tow.
Remind me-
of our face painted children racing around,
filthy and full.
Describe how-
our pockets are empty, but our hearts swell.
Meet me-
at the fair, just you and I again,
our kids, busy with theirs.
Hold me-
this hot, August Saturday.
Is it larger now or have we slowed?
Kiss me-
in each corner of these sacred grounds,
the country fair to which all others can’t compare.
Return with me-
year after year.
Just you and I
braving Friday night’s parade rain.