Saturday, June 13, 2009

Fair Nights

By Ian Kleine

The fair can be quite a surreal place when darkness comes in, and the lights twinkle their soft glows like frozen fireflies. I would have never thought that the fair grounds would grow quiet and soft-toned when night came. I had arrived earlier during the day and had scowled in distaste at how busy and impersonal the place seemed to be. For me anyway.

From the dusty trails of the morning, it had lain quiet and tamed after during the night. Only the soft footfalls of a few pairs of feet stirred the dust, before it settled down again, as if sleeping. Floodlights pierced the night sky, like pylons of white, only visible when it was dark.

I swear, the popcorn I had brought from the nice, old lady tasted more...tasty? Well, as how corny popcorn would taste anyway. The soda had an extra sting, and the corndogs didn't taste too oily or fatty at all. Everything was clear and sharp. Going 'round the Merry-Go seemed more magical too. It was just you, the horse, and the enchanting music that seemed less annoying in the night than during the day.

People have that soft smile on their faces, a testament to their long day. You'd know fatigue when you see it, but here you find a bit of peace and relaxation. That in itself, is as enchanting as it can be.

And when you go home from the fair, and look back towards it's gates, you feel like you just left another world. A different one. One that opened only on that very special, one you would think would never, ever open for you again. You find yourself wanting to spend another night inside the fair. If not, at least you want to find it in another place.

About the Author:

No comments: