Carousel Ponies

Carousel ponies, garishly painted,

Attract washed, unwashed, the same.

Round and round the gallop revolves,

Unending pledge falsely proclaimed.

Gold ring!  The prize!  Reach out!  Seize!

Merry-go-round not merry at all.

The children, fraught with worry, fear

At any moment, horses will fall

Up and down, up and down,

Until momentum runs its course.

The ride no more, no more the ride;

To feckless stable, goes the horse.