Scarlet's Poetry Den "The Early Years"

Circus Time (Listen to the poem in RealAudio G2)

I am again here, watching the graceful daring of those high above as they somersault, twist and turn in painfully glorious contortions.

I am the clown; smile painted on thick, everything down to the last tear in my jacket perfectly suited for the performance - stumbling and falling to seek approval. The crowd laughs - I've done my job well. Inebriated by them, I play silly games with a hat and rubber balls. Water dumps all over as the hat is put back on my head. I stumble once more for good measure. The crowd laughs and claps louder: they are pleased...

But their awe is reserved for those above - sequined artisans with strings and nets. They perform the carefully calibrated acrobatics that inspire fear and reap respect.

I imitate them, first in jest, then in earnest: comical fumblings hindered by baggy pants and floppy shoes. They laugh again. I am not.

Wait patiently for one of those above. to fall, that you may smile along with that painted face.

Oh, I want to be up there, no strings or nets...if only to sit above these three rings, away from the hot heavy mob-air. Escape. Escape to where they can watch and forget they ever laughed.

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Last updated on September 6, 1999
© 1976-1999 Scarlet Delaney - All Rights Reserved
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