Taken for a Ride

To reel about I flicks the switch -

see there is Magic, Poppins, Sting,

(without US taken, father’s track)

which could be horses in the ring.

I watched the children, poles apart,

excited by the fantasy

or anxious, crane for Dad’s return -

my cheer convinces barely me.

My choice, bored donkey, plod on sand,

insteed of sculpted wooden branch,

which takes me Trojan, school-hate gym,

derided student, Texas ranch.

So far from errant knights’ display,

a roust about the jousting field

with Lancelot and Guinevere,

manège enchanté, Camelot.

I am translated, French exam,

carousal mixed with carousel,

as roundabout, chevaux, cheveux,

my hairy drunks reeled in a spin.

Which brings me round full circle, films,

that Dick with Cockney gone astray,

sting in the tale and Zebedee,

spring in the tail, as ‘time for bed’.