When The Circus Never Leaves Town

Just because you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean that the circus has left town. - George Carlin

life is a juggling act

a high-wire, balancing exhibition

no net

plenty to forget

fire eaters and sword swallowers

twisted contortionists

people flying through the air

in desperate need of a trapeze or anything that will swing fair

a blind fortune teller

midgets walking with stilts

others packed into a tiny little car that tilts

a bearded lady and clowns with makeup and wigs

magic elixirs that only require a few swigs

lots of monkeys and a few lions

three rings under a big top

without the cotton candy

the tights skin tight

pagliacci nowhere in sight

Author's Note

"You know how the tightrope guy at the circus wants everyone to believe his act is an art, but deep down you can see that he's really just hoping he makes it all the way across?" - Jodi Picoult

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

I'm listening as I write this review "the tears of a clown"....there is nothing funny about a circus...a group of entertainers who wish they could do something else in life... you are right, they are not so brave... scared is the word....inside their hearts they pain.... to do this work...yet are they trapped in life? one could say that....very heartfelt and melancholy deep down inside....well written Pete, liked the music too!
Warmly, B

[Pete]

sometimes it can feel like we're living in one - thought it deserved a write. thanks for sharing thoughts b. glad you dig the song too.

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure Pete!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

I like the powerful comparison to life with a circus; sometimes entertaining, other times realistic.
A juggling act indeed.
I like how you say that life throws us a curved ball.
I see you are quoting other than your muse.
You
Thoreou might get mad.
Now, back the circus. .. ..

[Pete]

i don't think that thoreau ever saw a circus and thus could not find any fitting quotes from him, however he wrote that, "A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play in them, for this comes after work." thanks for sharing and happy easter sami.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow!
Thank you kindly.
Happy Easter .

[Einstein Noodle]

what fertile ground for poetry, Pete! my father and i were traveling when i was a young adult.... we passed a sign for a circus and much to my surprise ... he asked me if i wanted to go ... he was not a very spontaneous man ... after that shock i said sure!! why not .. it still blesses me ... funny thing is i can't remember much of the show at all .. i so enjoyed your poem ... i instantly began to see where each life's metaphors i plugged into .. and where ... well done .. one to read over as many times as time allows .. thanks for sharing!
E.

[Pete]

this one wrote itself. so glad to trigger such a pleasant memory for you. as always, thanks for stepping right up e. lol, you're on in 5 minutes!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) .................

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work, my friend. You nailed it.

[Pete]

thanks for not being afraid to take a leap twc.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You boldly go where I wouldn't think of going, and make the verses leap from the screen. This is extraordinary writing, Pete. One I wish I had written. Wait. Did I say that out loud?

[Pete]

hmm, interesting. perhaps part of it's allure is how much it does relate to life. you're too kind. hope all is okay with you - if not then listen to some music and turn that frown around.

[ETERNITY]

I was buzzing along . . .
Till that final line!
I try to research what I don't know.
Pagliacci?
What did you do?
Just kidding. I thought it all was awesome, though I wondered...

[Pete]

live and learn. remember, it only seems like an eternity.

[ETERNITY]

Touche'.....

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love all of this but as I start my day sometimes your line, "no net" really rings true. Thank you for this.

[Pete]

lol, well there certainly are plenty of bozos, that's for sure. thanks for sharing and not being afraid to, "step right up".

[Arundass TP]

Sure, we all are part of the circus. Nicely written poem

[Pete]

... and the older i get, the bigger it gets ...