There are three reasons why I'm posting this.

One, to remember Coney Island and its iconic Astroland (which after 46 years closed its doors).

Two, to remember the poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and his book, A Coney Island of the Mind

Three, to remember that as parents, we only have a window of time to enjoy our kids.




The Enchanted Kingdom
(in praise of Lawrence Ferlinghetti)


The rollercoaster ride beyond Midway
Was where they shouted their lungs out
Exhilaration so unreal
Ketchup and mayo smearing cheeks
As dogs were taken in with Mountain Dew

Time was flying that October afternoon

Til the next October
........................And the next
....................................And the next

The sands would quickly trickle down
To the bottom of the glass
And before his eyes
The baby was a lady

In a quick adieu,
The girl ran to her university
Indeed a different October

And while the tears were falling
...................................He cried
...............................................Too soon! Too soon!