To the carousel children flock each night
to mount a fine tasseled and painted horse,
as gold gilt and mirrors and sparkling light
illumine their swift and unchanging course.

With gold-buckled saddles and flying manes,
their steeds stand at ready to start the race.
Feet in the stirrups and hands on the reins,
the riders are eager to set the pace.

Bejeweled and beribboned, the dappled grays
circle the floor in continuous chase,
while gleaming white leapers and rich, red bays
all carry their riders with effortless grace.

Prancers and gallopers rise and descend,
but none ever crosses a finish line.
As they run a race that will never end,
there are no surprises, but no one minds.

No horse advances, no runners fall back -
without any winner, no one can lose.
As they orbit once more the endless track,
laughter the only prize each child pursues.