Coney Island of the Mind

I began watching this short video with no expectations. The author, presumably young at the time, chose to have an older man read her work, an bold decision that paid off. As a young writer, I often want to hide behind my work, but when good, I expect credit. Having an older man tell her story of the "dreamland" Coney Island is to her inspired me to think about the amusement park I grew up going to. In the story, the author admits the amusement park will never fit the definition of sweet and heavenly. To be honest, what amusement park does? For the author, Coney Island offers pleasant memories of rides and food. The honesty felt real, the emotions were not faked. The man reading the poem felt much older, but when talking about the practicality of taking the F train, and pigging out on the food available (a Nathan's sign appeared in the video for more than a few seconds) it made the words more believable. No adult will trust the "old memories" of a teenager just beginning their life. A man who lived decades travelling to Coney Island will offer much more credibility.
The young author focuses on the idea that the real Coney Island may only exist in our minds if we allow ourselves to dream. I am not from the area, and therefore have never been to the well-known amusement park. I, however, would venture to say that the amusement park lacks thrill from the rides, and is not a huge attraction for locals. She writes that the "imperfections make it real," which I can relate to my childhood amusement park. Sure too many people cram into the park, they only offer fried food, but for her, Coney Island is where her first date may haven been. Or where she first went on a roller coaster. Whatever it may be, Coney Island is what you make it. If I went with friends, it likely would have little meaning to me. However, for the author, it hurts to say goodbye, so she returns because it is her dreamland. Everyone, whether willing to share or not, as a special place that is not perfect, but offers something unique to them. Coney Island is filled with history and tourists, but every visitor has a different view on what the amusement park has to offer.