A night out with cotton candy
can leave children feeling randy,
wearing gluttonous grins.
Colorful contortionist will twist
that is an act not to be missed,
just watch how his leg spins.
The saddest clowns tossing a ball
await a harsh howl to befall,
happiness in surplus.
Regal headmaster center ring
making a little noise chanting,
a classical circus.
An acrobat walking a wire
perfect balance built to inspire,
delicately seems hooked.
With the score a willing backdrop
for the stars under the big top,
oh how easy it looked.
"Let's go see the circus", he said with glee.
So we went, we kids, my mother, and he.
I didn't want to go. It was late at night,
But agreed to go not wanting a fight.
Though it was late, the tent was still standing.
"Look! See the circus", he was demanding.
There was naught to see and we kept silent.
Regretting this trip, we stayed compliant.
Suddenly there was fast movement and noise,
Then out ran a bunch of roustabout boys.
Quickly the last Ringling Big Top was gone.
All of us were tired and starting to yawn.
So I missed the last circus that came to town.
I only saw the Big Top being torn down.
Razzly dazzly with high pink hair
Devours cotton candy high in air
Acrobatic
Cinematic
She swiftly shows up others with her dare.
She shines so brightly, there is a glare.
Wears outrageous costumes with high flair
She doeth enthrall
This gorgeous circus moll
She is star of the big top to be fair
knabstrup starstruck
a galloping galaxy
polka dot ponies
*Knabstrup Horse - Knabstrupper, a Danish breed of spotted horse
often used in circuses for their striking coats.
*haiku form with poetic license
01/18/19
For Edward Ibeh's
Polka Dots Poetry Contest
When I was young, I wanted to run away to the circus. Then one day I realized the circus was life! Are we not the clown, the strongman, the freak, the daredevil? Is there not personal sorrow and the desperate search for pleasure? The flying trapeze man and woman are in love, and every performance, they risk the breaking of their heart. When one almost falls to their death, the audience cries out, and then claps even louder! The freak show is hidden in the back, though its location is well known to local politicians. Then to play the games on the midway, with its crooked carnies, rigged set ups, and worldly women. The city is 'the big top', its chaotic gyrations and jaded excitements, all part of the show. The grandstands are filled with 'television head' people, buzzing with excitement. See the eye of the tiger, hear the trumpet of that greatest of beasts, cowl at the jungle kings exclamation! Later that night, a young boy lying in bed, wonders if it was just a dream. Then, far off in the distance, a whispering growl was heard!
Good evening
Ladies, gentlemen
Start the show
For tonight
A feast for your eyes to see
Like nothing before
Tigers, bears
Your jaws to the ground
More you want
More you'll get
So great your head might explode
You'll be begging more
***By Chris Matt for Nette Onclaud's contest, “Share a Shadorma.”***
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