Carnival

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Fluttering heart, baby blue dragonflies pound against my chest,               

enveloped by the flashing lights, it’s a freak show for the senses.                   

Distorted through plastic walls of water, its own house of mirrors,               

fast moving technicolour machinery:

an orchestra conducts Scream Symphony in C Minor.       

Spiralling amusement illuminated by the spectrum of signs.               

Adrenaline, sweat, and toffee apple alcohol laces the air,                   

glinting glass cylinders stand to attention,

about to be

shattered. Shining bottle green

smashed and bruised from the inside out. 

The air hums with static anticipation;                               

they step forward out of the queue, pay

the vendor with a painted grin, and aim for their target.                        

Please stop, growing louder. Second hand smoke hacked up in hoarse throats.  

The park turns upside down, suspended on hooks: a goldfish in a bag.               

The player has lost the game but continues to play, taking turn after turn.           

Unwelcome, he continues, one thought in his mind:

Victory.   

Awaiting the false celebration:                                   

Step up and claim your prize.