The calm before the storm. I am non-living, but my perspective is key.
Fixed to the ground, 30m high, I scan over the scene before me.
A siren of laughter echoes through the market place following a parade of children dancing along leaf-littered paths towards the circus.
Autumn has arrived and Chernobyl's 50,000 residents have begun their celebrations.
Naked trees hang proudly above the gathering of newly made holiday-makers in the town square.
Encircled in an array of red balloons and ribbons swaying in the breeze, a queue begins to form before me, raving in excitement.
Circular in shape, my body rests dormant in the newly cut grass.
Flanked by social circles of teens, my maker George Ferris would be proud.
Standing tall above my clients, the reds, greens and blues of this party machine resembles a cliche scene of nature.
Party anthems send vibes across the forecourt while a small group of fearless people dance beneath me.
Polished like a disco floor, my fawn seats invite a mosh pit of fans aboard.
Soaring into the air I listen to the childish laughter of youth that takes me back to my first days.
Bees drift effortlessly across the scene, like a touring band, towards scented tulips afar.
While I watch in silence, a nearby bellbird feeds in the trees above.
My joints are well oiled and my steel bones rest strongly on my concrete supports.
The sky is sapphire blue, cloudless and inviting.
The sun beams softly down on a go kart rink and swing set teaming with life.
Ambient chatter fills the town and the last sunlight hours soak into that famous flower bed that surrounds the plaza like a golden border.
The glittering eyes of children reflect the happiness of the day.
Numerous events of swing ball take place to my side like two performers battling on stage.
An essence of candy floss fills the air as daffodils swing and sway near my monstrous steel supports.
Dressed up vehicles parade along the central streets, doused in banners and flowers.
People of all shapes and sizes mingle nearby as I view a happy couple proposing near the gates.
All is happy in Chernobyl.
The life in a circus takes you many places but being the main attraction means that not even the oncoming of winter can ruin my spirit.
Animals, plants and people are all oblivious of the near future.
My ticket master gestures another clan of party goers to take their seats as the final call requests that everybody is to leave for the day.
Smiling faces drift away over grey cobblestones, past the gate and to their vehicles.
My job is complete for the day and I watch a symphony of engines echo into the distance.
The sun still shines and birds still chirp but little did I know that today would be my last performance.
As I watch the glory before me, I wonder to myself about the good times and the laughter and happiness that I have brought to the people.
From my perspective, I believe this is a picturesque example of what fun really is and being a part of the entertainment and watching it unfold from a bird's-eye view is priceless.
• By Joseph Brown, Year 13, Otago Boys' High School
