Greg Gaul Poet Rhyme

Ringmaster's Muse

Who is the Ringmaster?
Who is the pawn?
Who will decipher
When the patrons are gone?

Enter the Big Top spot the trapeze,
Allay all your fears, put them at ease.
Barnum, Ringling masters long past,
Legends of showmanship destined to last.

Performers who push human boundaries,
Whose skills outstrip all practicalities.
It's raw talent on view in center ring,
Unique marvels of practice really happening.

No single skill matters outside the ring,
Performance in life, that's the thing.
Suspend for a moment what you know to be real,
Fantasy is fostered, it's the circus appeal.

Listen to the Ringmaster's full vibrato
As he shows each act with flair.
Paces his rich voice staccato
Presenting, making you connect and care.

Never lets himself become the show,
Top hat in hand in center ring, beginning to the end.
Tells you all you need to know,
Master of all the fun, every patron's friend.

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Robert James Liguori August 16, 2025 at 5:39 PM An oldie but goodie. Nice placement.

Sam Kauffman May 18, 2020 at 12:44 PM Really nicely done, Greg. Your vividly imaged extended metaphor has meaning on many levels beginning with your question - "Who is the ringmaster?" - and ends with "never lets himself become the show." I do believe there is a ringmaster running the show and whether or not the reader believes that, your multi layered write opens up many possibilities for many interpretations. This is what good poetry does. Congrats! Greg Gaul May 18, 2020 at 3:53 PM Sam, you are too clever. No subtle reference gets past you. Brian missed it but he bounced another one I did called Howdy Doody Conversation. That too drew the line - PT Barnum, P T Bluster and 45. Thanks for your commentary and applause for your recent wins.

L. J. Carber May 18, 2020 at 11:50 AM Congrats Greg on your win--I suspect there is an extended metaphor at work here! Greg Gaul May 18, 2020 at 3:46 PM Why yes LJ, you read it correctly. The P.T. Barnum reference is where it starts, the slur of truth over the years through Phineas T. Bluster and finally "45". All pervaricators supreme. Well done unmasking my ploy. Thank you.

Reason A. Poteet February 20, 2018 at 6:16 AM Delightful description of the ringmaster's role in the circus. Love that last stanza especially. Takes a special personality and flair to present introductions to each act deflecting attention from himself. Greg Gaul February 20, 2018 at 8:10 AM Very kind comment and clever and courteous correction on my misspelling or misuse of the word flair. Of course, I was mortified at my mistake. But at the same time eternally grateful.