The merry-go-round turned in unsteady circles. Time and weather dulled the once brightly painted framework. Years of little feet racing around the spinning platform had created a dusty moat, wearing away the foundation and making the whole contraption treacherous.
It was perfect.
I was taken back to my childhood. Warm summer days spent outside until the street lights blinked on and I heard my name called for dinner.
The trick was to get a running start, then pull yourself up onto the platform by the handles, leaning back to keep the centrifugal force in balance and the merry-go-round spinning.
If you were really brave, you would hang over the edge, your legs hooked around the frame, and trail your hair in the dirt.
I don’t have the flowing locks I once did, nor the flexibility to twist around iron bars, but I still have a fearless heart.
There is no way to turn back the clock and stop aging, but no one said I have to grow up.
Thin spiral notebook 
Loved it, so true
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Loved this story. Like others said it took me right back to my own childhood. You made me feel as if I was there on the merry-go-round. I could feel grabbing the bars and the breeze in my hair as I spun around and around.
I also really liked your reminder that we can still play and keep our child’s “fearless heart.” Thank you for sharing this story.
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Oh how I miss the merry-go-round! Brought back very fond memories!
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I remember … I remember …
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If you never grow up you never grow old. Good one!
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I refuse to grow up, no matter how old I am.
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I remember the merry-go-round, just like this one (but without the colorful paint). The boys used to hold to the bars and “fly” around, not sitting, just hanging on. What fun and carefree days.
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This gave me strong memories from childhood….
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Used to go with my cousin to the park on long summer days when we were both 9 years old. He was a fun but wicked little boy who always enticed me to get on the see-saw – of course, as soon as I was up in the air, the little monster jumped off his end, leaving me to plummet quickly back to earth. The two of us also spent many a day on a merry-go-rouch, just as you describe. What fun days! Great post.
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