It came to be when I was 9 years old.
We all went to the common on the fourth.
My sister gave me a piggy back ride
Because it was too far for me to walk.

The city had a huge carnival there.
My father was a police officer.
He got free passes to the rides we loved.
(Ferris Wheel, Bobby Horses, Octopus).

Of course a trip to the great carnival
Meant cotton candy and candy apples
Soft and sweet and the other crisp and tart
Got more on our faces than in our mouths.

Fireworks, they were the greatest that year.
I loved the finale it was the best.
All colors lighting up the summer sky
Loudest explosions heard all at once, Wow!.