He screamed.  He was tired.  He wasn’t feeling well.

I cajoled.  Tried distraction.  Wasn’t feeling much better.

Impatience and irritation was giving way to desolation and despair.

Until…

At blessed long last…

The floor gave a jolt.

The music began.

The glossy beetle plunged, then soared.

He gasped.  Beamed.  Shouted with toddler glee.

And only the lights of the carousel

could trace the tracks of his forgotten tears.