The Acrobat

The Circus gongs excite the Throngs in nighttime Never Land –
They swarm to see the destiny of Freaks at their command,
While Acrobats step pitapat above the shifting sands
And Lady Fat sits down to chat and oozes charm unplanned.

The Dwarfs in suits, so small and cute when marching with the Band,
Ask crimson Clowns with frozen frowns, to hold a mutant hand,
While Tamers’ whips with withered tips, throughout the winter land,
Lure Cats entranced through hoops enhanced with flames of fires fanned.

White Elephants in big-top tents boast black-tusk contraband
To regiments of Sycophants who overflow the stands,
But No One sees anomalies, and No One understands.

At night’s demise, the dither dies, the lonesome Crowd disbands,
Down dead-end streets the Horde retreats, their tattered rags in strands,
And Janes and Joes reweave their woes, for thoughts of change are banned.

To play a part in Three-Ring Art, I thought I’d try my hand – 
I mastered skills, I felt the thrills, I breathed and seethed firsthand –
But destiny denied to me to taste a lifetime spanned
With tightrope walks and trapeze chalks ... excepting second-hand...

For alcohol provoked a fall, as if a reprimand,
And now, a heap, I sometimes keep the ticket office manned...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Cavanaugh Avatar
October 5, 2012 at 8:36 PM
Wow, Another great pom Terry. And I love the surprise from the last six lines of the poem. And I love the line White Elephants.........boast black-tusk contraband That is the best description of circus elephants that I've ever read. My favorite poet of all time was Ogden Nash but you have just taken his spot on my favorite poet list
Kotsybar Avatar
May 29, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Very fun! Thanks for this.
Onclaud Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 9:17 AM
nice work, terry... congrats on your well--deserved win :) huggs
Brown Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 7:52 AM
Congratulations on your placement in David's "Circus" contest Terry. Love, Carol
Williams Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 3:41 AM
Terry, congrats on your win, a very (sober) ending to a great verse..David
Lu Avatar
May 12, 2012 at 9:25 AM
masterfully written. What a poem that keeps the reader reading to see.... what?... is gonna happen. Nicely done. Cindy
Dietrich Avatar
May 11, 2012 at 9:37 PM
How clever that you made yourself into the ticket man, from your great fall as an acrobat. I do hope this one finds its way on the winners list. Love it.
Cornwall Avatar
May 11, 2012 at 8:06 PM
LOL i love a circus and your poem is wonderful
Andresen Avatar
May 10, 2012 at 12:40 AM
This is a win poem in the contest Terry - well written ... bravo!!!! - Have a lovely day. - oxox love Anne-Lise
Kiya Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 3:58 PM
your wrong tere are those who see the "anomalies" i do and trust me its not always a blessing ilike the poem keep it up
Brown Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 11:56 AM
A pleasure to read your poetry today. I will try to come back later this week to read more Terry. I have a spring cold and not up to reading for too long. Have a wonderful week. Love, Carol
Bauer Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 7:51 AM
if this doesn't win "the circus" contest (and i assume it's entered there), then i'll know that all is certainly not right with the world. this is brilliantly rhymed and tells such a beautifully painted story. bravo to you!
Collins Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Wow Terry. Terry Allen in her comment said it all for me. The emotions you elicit here are stunning as you pen them so artistically. Those last two lines bring much to mind. love, Kathy
Horsman Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 5:17 AM
across the board circus here in this wonderful poem, very well written and a joy to read. harry
Poet Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 3:22 AM
Very nicely penned poem on Circus.Yes,love the flow.Best wishes for the contest.
Allen Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 1:31 AM
Darn Terry I would give most anything to be able to write like this and you say you aren't a poet. Maybe in variety of styles you are not but that remains to be seen. I think you pull my leg sir and are royalty hanging out with the knaves and wenches. I have read much of what is in the confines of this site and few if any could match you step for step. With each poem you write it only convinces me how right I am.
Burch Avatar
May 8, 2012 at 1:14 AM
Brilliantly penned Terry...Well Done! great flow! So true to core....I really like this a lot! big hugs, love ya , deb
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace