When I travelled to London Town
I never expected this to go down
Artful Dodger came out of the dark
Smiled at me, as if I was a lark
He was rumpled and crumpled, this tallish boy
I did not know what to say, so I said “ahoy”.
He put one finger in front of his mouth and faded away.
I was glad I had come to London Town on this day.
Over by the corner the bandstand plays on
next to the cotton candy wagon and the clown
Its a circus act full of people and acrobats
and tallish men on walking wooden stilts
One tiny red balloon dots the sky as I espy
juggling acts leading to the garden path
it ain't over until the fat lady sings
so I better not dally, I need a glass ring
Fire eaters and sweet ladies that stretch
ventriloquists with two sided mouths
magicians that stage with props, and coins
cats on tight ropes, hawkers and escapists
Silver hoops and fast delivery guys
life is changing right before our very eyes
Give me the candy but don't tell me lies
of course I want the red balloon, untie!
February 12, 2023
Sponsor Anthony Biaanco
Contest Name Balloons
Sotto voce a whisper sweet
if by chance we should come to meet
down in the valley where flowers bloom
shall we enter a two way street?
And if by chance this journey's fleet
with passion's effloresce complete
becomes our season's hope renew,
then would we love this vigil treat?
Inside that meadow of bright hues
will you wrap around my curlicues
and climb the tendrils of my vine
kiss me sweetly by heaven's blues?
Will my colors be rich as wine
when you hold me time after time
like the daisies tallish and wild
do you aim to always be mine
Long after sun has hotly smiled
Long after stars ablaze are riled
will you whisper to my petals,
sotto voce and undefiled .
June 5, 2022
Sponsor Sotto Poet
Contest Name Rubaiyat Contest
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