Bright lights, new people, large moving machines.
Big stuffed animals, pink fluffy clouds, something from her dreams.
Dust on her sandals but she doesn’t care.
Her mama put purple bows in her hair.
Everyone is laughing and smiles are really big.
Songs are getting louder… her brother dances a jig.
Her little heart is pumping more with every step
So much about this night she hopes she won’t forget
The longest line she sees is the one for red balloons.
The thing she always wanted and never quite pursued.
She turns her big green eyes to daddy; he knows just what she wants.
Not even a word is spoken immediate response.
She waits and waits and waits in line for this new treat.
Tied to her hand, perfect apple red, looks good enough to eat.
All she can think about the rest of the night…
Protecting her new possession… impending fright!
I love my balloon; it is all that I desire
A night full of excitement, only IT lit my fire!
Clenching so tightly to the little white string…
All of these people, not sure what they’ll bring.
Each element proposes feelings of eminent doom.
“Even wind could take my perfect, red balloon!”
Fear swallows her once excited, childish heart.
Anxiety fills her up, every single part.
“I must find a way to keep my precious gift
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, I cannot ever let it drift”
Little hands climb up the string to pull it in her lap
Hugging it tightly to her chest her arms a little trap.
“I don’t ever want to lose you, you mean so much to me.
You’re mine forever and ever, I cannot set you free.”
With each twinge of fear her grip gets a little tighter.
No space between the two, suddenly something bites her…
A big loud noise, POP… her love affair is shattered.
SHE LOST HER RED BALLOON, THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERED!
Her daddy picks her up, “Baby, I’m so sorry that happened!”
Tears roll down her rosy cheeks, she is oh-so saddened
“Daddy, I just didn’t want to lose it… I loved it so very much!”
“Baby I must tell you something you may not fully touch…
The wind is not your enemy, its fear that you should hate.
It’s the one that stole your fun, the joy it would create.
Let’s get one more balloon but this time keep in mind,
Enjoying every moment is your only job this time.”
by Alison Capra
10-08-09
