Carnival Song

It’s difficult to suggest themes or messages but Jeff Black pulls it off with consistency. Instead of telling us what he thinks, he tries to get us to finish the thought. That’s the magic I look for. “Carnival Song” is interesting–here’s a guy on the move who takes a job running the rides. Think about that for a moment–everyone is moving but him for a change–that’s one thought. But the rides, whichever one, they all go in circles, ending up back at the beginning. I think this character constantly moves so he doesn’t have to face what he left behind, and may take some satisfaction in watching seemingly happy riders be jolted back to their normal lives after the ride is over. I really like this kind of complexity.