Merry-go-Round

 

By

 

Bettie Corbin Tucker

 

 

 

Hey, I didn't climb on by myself . . .
 God  . . . Mom . . . Dad
brought forth this humble being.
    It is because of them I ride . . .
       this merry-go-round of life.
Jesus is holding me ever tightly . . .
 while I cling to the earthly ride.
Am I not totally dependent . . .
 on this Mechanic
who keeps the circle moving?
When He pulls the lever . . .
 the merry-go-round pauses,
 newcomers get on . . .
        old-timers get off . . .
 while the rest of us watch.
See the tiny child,
 proud to ride by himself . . .
 giggling, excited, happy . . .
 it is all ahead . . .
his ride has just begun.
Grandma and Grandpa smile . . .
 holding hands in the seat . . .
 no pony for them.
 They will be getting off soon . . .
 and want it to be easy.
It is a good journey . . .
 the ups and downs are necessary . . .
 but I trust the One who controls that lever.
Friends get on and off frequently . . .
 as the music pauses.
Family members wait for their stop . . .
 and then say good-bye . . .
 but Jesus never leaves.
Someday it will be my turn . . .
 and He will take my hand . . .
as I step into that new circle . . .
 where no one ever dismounts.
     It is an eternal ride.
Remembering that long-ago child . . .
 I smile with her innocence . . .
 as I mount that white horse . . .
 a pure thoroughbred . . .
 and me . . .?
 God can't see the bruises of sin . . .
from life's merry-go-round.
 Looking at me, He sees His son . . .
   who stands in my place . . .
blood shed reflecting perfection.
     And so I ride with the wind . . .
Free . . .  Home . . . back to the beginning.