The Carnival Dragon

folk-pop, folk, pop, Americana, ballad Lyrics: [Verse 1] Popcorn dust and diesel smoke, The tilt-a-whirl began to spin. Clutching tight her final dime, She stepped up to the booth to win. The plastic ring flew from her hand, It circled round the painted wood. The barker stared in quiet shock, And reached down where the prizes stood. [Chorus] Not a goldfish in a bag, Nor a bear all filled with fluff, But a creature with green scales, Breathing out a smoky puff. She carried home a miracle, Beneath the Ferris wheel's bright glow, A baby dragon from the fair, That she won with a lucky throw. [Verse 2] Its wings were thin as autumn leaves, Its claws were sharp as sewing pins. It curled inside her denim cap, All warm against her freckled skin. She fed it crumbs of funnel cake, And watched its golden eyes ignite. It purred just like a sleeping cat, Into the cool October night. [Chorus] Not a goldfish in a bag, Nor a bear all filled with fluff, But a creature with green scales, Breathing out a smoky puff. She carried home a miracle, Beneath the Ferris wheel's bright glow, A baby dragon from the fair, That she won with a lucky throw. [Bridge] The neighbors think it's just a toy, Made out of cloth and colored thread. But every time she whispers low, It lifts its spiked and scaly head. They’ll grow together, side by side, Beyond the tents and wooden stalls, A secret kept in gingham sheets, between her bedroom’s purple walls. [Chorus] Not a goldfish in a bag, Nor a bear all filled with fluff, But a creature with green scales, Breathing out a smoky puff. She carried home a miracle, Beneath the Ferris wheel's bright glow, A baby dragon from the fair, That she won with a lucky throw. [Outro] The carnival has packed its trucks, The fields are dark and still. But two bright eyes are gleaming warm, Upon her windowsill. A little breath of summer heat, To keep away the chill.