state fair!
skinny teens
chubby adults
leisurely stroll
along aisles of bright attractions
and food, food, food
amid a riot of colors and lights
big barns
huge supine pigs
a tiny short-legged goat
looks me in the eye
cuteness grabs me by the throat
smell of chicken shit
rabbit shit
horse shit
cow shit
back to the earth reminder
shit is it!
thirsty
we buy $5 beer
expensive yes
but we're glad we're here
photo exhibit
images of wonder
landscapes, people-scapes
God's variety silently shouts like thunder
a rodeo announcer
loves his twangy baritone
as he rambles on and on
gals on horseback ride in tandem
waving to a clapping crowd
we envy their ease at full gallop
and we cheer for the calf
who eludes a chasing roper
foiled by the runt
ecuadorian band
in simple white shirts
blue jeans
and brown modest faces
stir something deep inside
keeps us glued to our places
happy dogs with happy tongues
chase frisbees
with agile, athletic canine grace
we in the bleachers
ooh and aah
amazed at dogs and human teachers
jugglers and clowns
make us laugh
with clever jokes
dandy dexterity
and excited kids on stage
overhead tram at dusk
take us on a bird's eye view
of the Oregon State Fair
people amble and scurry like mice below
as we notice from the air
lights from ferris wheel
and a massive sling-shot
silhouetted bodies hurled, toes to the sky!
distant screams
pierce the summer air
and far beyond
a long strand of trees
and quiet sunset
frames the fair cacophony
Nature's arms, serene,
wrap us in her care
Harlan Simantel
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/state-fair/
