Equilibrist Poems | Examples

The Circus Actors

Houses have lowered curtains like eyelashes,

and the silence has ascended on the solemn throne.

In windows of an old circus are indistinct persons,

unfamiliar songs and mysterious peals of bells.

Perhaps this is a banquet or wedding of a circus actor?

But needles of light stick into the night.

The unplanned performances, not advertised, gallops,

and multi-coloured days spin under the dome, like butterflies.

Here the elegant illusionist – the collector of deception,

here the young juggler – he’s lucky, very dexterous.

He is beautiful and kind and pleased with himself.

Here the lass-acrobat laughs with  flutist wearily,

here the girl-equestrian, so in love 

with the mad, brave equilibrist,

and with the very kind, big elephant.

Again, circus actors will go along an invisible circle,

and they will compose the themes for city dreams.

The gold girth will be lit in this night,

and the laughter of jester’s handbells will be heard.