11-11-2021, 04:34 AM
Essence of Circus
What makes a circus?
Is it rings
three or some other number
constant frantic music
constantly changing acts
dangers of aerialists
corny gags of clowns
big tents raised
by patient strength of elephants
trained lions
smell of animals and sawdust
yearly impermanence
tradition?
Each of these
but none essential–
see, what made the show, kid
was the audience
now it’s not you
and it’s gone.
What makes a circus?
Is it rings
three or some other number
constant frantic music
constantly changing acts
dangers of aerialists
corny gags of clowns
big tents raised
by patient strength of elephants
trained lions
smell of animals and sawdust
yearly impermanence
tradition?
Each of these
but none essential–
see, what made the show, kid
was the audience
now it’s not you
and it’s gone.
Non-practicing atheist