This week’s photo could have been taken for my story a couple of weeks ago. So much so, that I decided to add a part 2 from a different perspective. If you know Melanie’s story at all, you might wonder who this is. I had Mrs Mwanna in mind to begin with, but now I’m wondering if it could be her Dad. Up to you.
Feel free to read its precursor here first, afterwards, or not at all.
Thank you to Brenda Cox for this week’s photo. Not sure why WordPress isn’t letting me caption it direct.
The merry go round’s gone to rack and ruin.
That’s what I think when Melanie tells me her theory about God. The man in the middle is too busy spoiling everyone’s fun to notice the paint is faded and the horses have lost their smiles.
I know the emperor’s naked, but pointing it out would be counterproductive. For me, the beauty could never be the horses anyway. For me, it’s the little girl in the bright flowery dress who still sees gleaming gold and prancing ponies. The girl clutching my hand, squealing her delight and enjoying everything about the ride.
elmowrites 
I agree with you about where the real magic is. Nicely said
Thanks! Although I do worry that seeing the magic might be holding us back from fixing some of the worst bits of our global merry go round.
Magic, I sometimes think, is limited to childhood, before cynicism creeps in.
It’s certainly harder to find as an adult. Maybe that’s why I love writing Melanie’s voice.
Very nicely crafted. Loved it.
Thanks Sandra!
Dear Jen,
A sweet story. Nice that it’s a part 2 but it does stand alone in my humble opinion. It feels like a father seeing the world through his little girl’s eyes. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you! Yes, it was intended to stand alone for those who don’t know the largely story or the first part. I think you’re right about the Dad (plus Mrs M has her our vernacular / accent which I didn’t use here)
Yes, magic is in the mind of the beholder.
My kids are definitely the biggest magic in my life these days.
You captured the true magic of the carousel. Well done, Elmo.
Thanks Mason!
I liked this story, Jen. Well done. Memories only need to be remembered.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by!
🙂
Lovely reflections. Melanie keeps everyone around her on their toes, but their love for her transcends and enfolds her. This gives a peek into that, I think. And Melanie’s growing awareness of that will be her strength and her inspiration.
pax,
dora
I love your description of Melanie, thank you!
I read this one first – it stands alone – completely. It also works perfectly with the follow up, the previous. So cheers for being able to carry the thread, the images, the characters, as they’re fleshing themselves out.
Great story here – it’s pretty much word-perfect 🙂 Love the beginning, it’s so powerful, so evocative, for a notion, a philosophical idea, and it’s the details within, that bring this so … true to life, alive and reinforce the narrator’s perspective. Really well done. I can even see the two stories linked, words by words, in my mind.
Cheers! 😀
This is such a lovely comment, thank you. I definitely intended the stories to stand alone as well as together. There are other Melanie stories scattered through my blog too, but again, each intended to stand alone.
I’m going to have to find some time and check it out 🙂
The world always looks bright when we are with our young children and grandchildren. I like the way you described that touch of magic in their perception of the world.
I agree! It’s sometimes tempting to point out the problems, but I think their innocent enjoyment is inspiring too.
It is what we see & enjoy that makes life worthwhile.
Story with a moral.
Let’s all be like the little girl & live in the moment.
Absolutely! Although some of us would do well to fix the merry go round before it stops working altogether
Again, that elusive brass ring of whimsy and magical remembories. You grasp these with both hands!
And now I know what the brass ring is! Thanks for buying a ticket for the second ride!
You are welcome. Both go rounds were enjoyable.
A thought provoking story, indeed what one see’s changes with every individual.
I love perspective stories – it’s something I’ve played with in the past – different characters seeing the same thing.
As others said, a perfect sequel but also great as standalone. I think part of the magic can remain or be found again when it has a chance to develop in the first place.
I hope the magic is still there, even when we find it easier to see the wear and tear. Perhaps we just need children to remind us!
To a child, it’s magical! Oh, to have the mind of a child. =). Nicely done!
Aw, thanks Brenda! And for the fun photo too
I think this is lovely, Jen. Nothing wrong with seeing magic and still living in reality 🙂
Thanks Dale, I agree!
🙂
Sweet, that is indeed the real magic 🙂
Isn’t it just?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to revert to childhood, even if only for a moment or two?
Oh yes! I don’t think youth is wasted on the young though, I suspect it only works because kids don’t know what they don’t know!
The inner child can tap into the magic. I think adults forget.
Beautiful.
So true. Thank you for this follow-up and happier ending.