In life, there are always chances. Chances to talk to someone new or something big, like the path that one wants to pursue. And, thats what life is, to take ahold of chances and letting the outcome whether its good or bad unravel itself. However, the thing about opportunities is the risk, the risk that it might not be for the greater good and could end up to be something bitter. Because of that risk most people become fearful of chances since, there is always that possibility of an unfavorable result. In the poem, "A Coney Island Life," written by James L Weil, it portrays that exact idea of chance, and the risk or glory thats attached to it. Throughout the poem, Weil explains this idea by reflecting the chances in life to aspects of an amusement park. By using different components of an amusement park such as prizes it reflects the hidden glory in chances or, how it could be passed up like balloons. However, the author also expresses the feelings of those who do not want to take those opportunities. But, Weil stresses that chances are important because, it will bring them regret. Thus, chances should always be taken because, eventually time will run out and for all the chances that were not taken will leave the person regretful.

Chances, are always present throughout life and in the poem Weil states, "And seen my helium hopes break skyward without me." In this particular line, Weil explains the chances of attaining greatness to a ballon but, it flies away because, it wasn't held onto. Weil utilizes this metaphor, of chances not taken to flying balloons because, many times in life people are afraid of taking a big leap because, of the many risks attached to taking the chances. Since, not every opportunity does not lead to success so, because of that probability people, "play it safe," by letting the chance slip from their hands, like balloons. In comparison, to the next lines, "Now arms filled with dolls I threw so much for." Meaning, instead of being fearful of taking that chance,but taking it, in return, there are "dolls," or awards. What Weil tries to portray is if, the person throws away any fear of the risks that may come along with chances then, there is a possibility of gaining something. All in all, chances are not something, that people should be fearful but, instead embraced because, of the possibility of something great.

However, if people don't embrace opportunities and shy away from it constantly then, soon time will slip out of their hands and only regret will remain. "How many more times round I have.." In other words, the speaker is asking how many more chances they have left before there are no longer, "rounds," or time left for anymore chances to arrive. In this line, the speaker is hinting their regret because, they don't know how much time they left to get ahold of any chances. But, what makes regret bad is because, of the what ifs. The what if, the chance was taken and maybe it could've resulted in something great. But, ultimately what makes regrets so bad, is because of the many possibilities that could've happened but, didn't. "To catch that brass-ring-sun before the game is up.." In this line, it explains the wonder of how much time is left of getting that chance by comparing it to the probability of winning a game. Not only that, the reader can feel the regret in this line because, of the unknowningness of being able to pluck the courage take that chance since there is only so little time left. And thus, in life people must always be aware that if chances are passed up it might lead into regret.

Chances in life are precious because, of the hidden glory that its in it but, if its not taken eventually time will pass and only regret will remain. Chances are ubiquitous in life where they are indirect or direct, there are always opportunities lingering. And, although people could take ahold of that chance at anytime, most of them are afraid because, of the risk. The many risks that are attached to a chance whether it'd be failure, loss, etc creates hesitation in people. However, it is the opportunities that are taken that create success and can be reflected into success or, in the poem, "dolls". Because, of that possibility of glory hidden in every chance, it is stressed that chances should be taken, or else it will expunge any sort of greatness that could've been achieved. And, that could've, what ifs, and maybes of success will only leave regret. And, as time passes the feeling of regret will only grow stronger the more opportunities are shunned. So, as humans it is stressed that all emotions of worry, fear, or hesitation should be let go and to just do it. Just take that chance. Or else, if chances are constantly being passed up eventually there will be none. And there will be no more possibilities of anything good or bad. Thus, to not feel regret, people must gather the courage and grab that chance and maybe, just maybe there will be an award awaiting for them.