The Big Top

The ringmaster holds up the mirror to show the crowd the smiles they all crave

But he just stands there unfazed for he’s seen it all before

 

The acrobats fly through the air, a mystery for all that watches to behold,

But if there is a safety net below then the magic soon disappears.

He lifts his head up from his chest and he bellows out: ACT THREE

The crowd just want to be free from the papered over cracks in the wall.

 

It's all they have in common; he could think of better places to be,

As the contortionist bends to please anyone who'll act interested in her at all.

Standing on a heavy wooden chair, weighed down by his heavy soul;

He waves the crowd into the cold and turns his back on the band.

He's suffered many nights over time but they're seldom ones like this,

Even with his top hat and whip he feels like a broken shell of a man.

Welcome to my circus it’s the show that never stops,

A clown leads the pack while the jugglers they all watch.

See the elephants on a soft parade, the lions in their filthy little cage,

When the curtain draws go home the fun has stopped.

Reviews

[Sarah Redigan]

I love how fun , creepy, and true this is all mixed in one ...
btw welcome to wc

Xxx
SR

[Terpsichore]

Excellent stuff, shows that all the worlds a circus and that the clowns really are in charge. T

[s y e]

Stephen, I am guessing you are new here... Firstly, welcome to WritersCafe, I hope you enjoy it!

Secondly, this is excellent, I love the imagery you created within this poem and the message portrayed to the readers.

Really good job on this one.

[Ginny Woods]

I loved reading through this.
You were able to create such a moving atmosphere in such a short time, it's inspiring.
Keep on going, Stephen. Well done!
Best wishes ☺

[Stephen Bell]

Thanks very much, its the first time I've tried something like this so I appreciate the encouraging words.

[Ginny Woods]

You really do not need to thank me, lovely you. It, of course, goes without saying. ☺
I'm looking forward to red more of your work.
I appreciate /your/ words.