Looking out my Kitchen window.
I saw a Squirrel performing single.
He flung himself like an acrobat,
and landed softly, no safety net.
I was amazed at watching him.
His death defying tricks, out on a
limb.
A high wire act he did so try.
On a Powerline, so very High.
He climbed and climbed this big
oak tree, and diappeared in disbelief.
In closing, he did a stunning dive,
and landed softly, to my surprise.
I watched his Ringling Brothers
Act perform. When he finished, I
applauded, and A Star was born.
Michael Tor
Categories:
ringling, animal, appreciation, inspirational, joy,
Form: Personification
Over in the meadowland the birds are singing
Warm weather portends the returning of spring
The bees have set about their pollen bringing.
Hopeful, bright spring days with excitement tingling
Cause our voices to shout out and lustily sing,
Over in the meadowland the birds are singing
While with glee my life’s breath is mingling
So happy I feel like life is gaudy glitter and bling
The bees have set about their pollen bringing.
Spring to me reminds of Barnum and Ringling
The colorful memories of childhood bring
Over in the meadowland the birds are singing.
I can reminisce about the high school flinging
The loss of my first love that brought a sting,
The bees have set about their pollen bringing.
The season of spring brings to me self-healing
More than anything else, a welcoming thing,
The bees have set about their pollen bringing
Over in the meadowland the birds are singing.
FIRST PLACE WINNER
edited April 7, 2022
written January 21, 2022
for "Springtime Villanelle" Poetry Contest
sponsored by Sotto Poet
Categories:
ringling, spring,
Form: Villanelle
I almost went to Florida
To visit with my aunt
Until the virus landed
And my plans it did supplant.
I almost got a chance to see
A Sarasota treat.
The Ringling exhibition
Would have made the trip complete.
I almost got to quilting class
To start on something new
And as to when I’ll get there,
Well, I haven’t got a clue.
I almost got to go to Greece,
A long-awaited tour.
Perhaps next year I’ll have the chance
To get there and explore.
I almost got to see my play
Produced up on the stage.
I almost got to celebrate
My birthday’s special age.
I almost got to keep
My Friday babysitting dates.
Though FaceTime helps a bit
A lot of hugging yet awaits.
I almost got to live my life
Without this daily fear.
I’m hoping that these almosts
Will, at some point, disappear.
Categories:
ringling, me,
Form: Rhyme
defying death
shibboleth
denied breath...
no more tingling
brothers ringling
no coins jingling
baraboo
now bare of
cheers too!
Categories:
ringling, loss, moving on, tribute,
Form: Rhyme
While outside it may be raining,
Inside new priest is entertaining;
To us occurred,
Heard God's word;
Hope forever he will be remaining.
Jim Horn
Priest With Parish Was Intermingling
When priest with parish was intermingling,
Left sensations causing us to be tingling;
While in harbor,
Saw his barber;
Be a clown in circus of Brothers Ringling.
Many things about our priest seem so weird;
Heartbreaker who wore a handsome beard;
Big Bible thumper,
While at Ft. Sumter,
And by many husbands has been feared.
You ought to hear our choir at practice;
Concentrated while sitting on a cactus;
Noise was loud,
And were endowed;
We said they should go on a sabaticus.
Jim Horn
Adherence to Clearance and Disappearance
To many things there must be adherence;
Could be results of another new clearance;
Something buy;
So we will try,
And for it we will have to run interference.
Jim Horn
I keep going over ten again. Oh, well.
God's care upon me please do cast,
Even if flag has been at half mast;
Fulfils my need;
Me does feed,
And know forever will last and last.
Categories:
ringling, allegory, analogy,
Form: Limerick
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.
Categories:
ringling, allusion, care, fun, nostalgia,
Form: Rhyme
Something unfortunate will be happening in May.
The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus is going away.
It has been the "Greatest Show on Earth" for 146 years.
A great number of fans very well may be shedding tears.
All the elephants, lions, tigers, and clowns,
along with acrobats, and trapeze artists will not be touring towns.
Costs have risen, and attendance figures have declined.
Profits apparently are harder to find.
They say all good things can never last.
The famous circus will become a thing of the past.
From the website of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Categories:
ringling, business,
Form: Rhyme
A fat acrobat from Detroit
lost his grip for he wasn't adroit
he fell with a plop
his partner on top
which really was quite an exploit!
Yes, Tubby made quite a fine matress
Ringling Brothers asked for his address
he made his career
plopped on his derriere
It seems he had started a fad.. YES!
Soon crowds lined the seats of the rink
wondering if Tubby would stink
he finished the task
in spite of some gas
Now Tubby is dressing in mink.
Categories:
ringling, funny,
Form: Limerick