Circus Past

Evening’s approaching with anticipation.
Everything is about to begin.
Colors of yellows and reds and blues
and greens flash and spin
heralding the excitement that awaits for all
within the Carnival’s invisible walls.

Smells waft on the breeze of tantalizing treats
that will assail taste buds as you eat
these greasy, sticky, gooey delicacies.
Sounds of whirring, buzzing and popping
begin to resonate all around.
You hear the calliope as it cranks into sound
with its organ-like whines.
It starts to grind
melodies for the endless dance of the carousel.

Under the Big Top there are wondrous sights
that mainline each and every night.
Flyers and tumblers to name just a few;
and, the animals that are trained to do
amazing feats.
Barkers broadcast their endless chants
publicizing games of chance
that test your skill to win a prize.

Delighted children with wide eyes
take in all the things around them as
they beg and clamor to do and ride.
Their parents reluctantly chide
them to be patient.

Another evening has begun.
Another evening that as the sun
begins to set in the west
activity will increase with zest
as this Pied Piper pipes his magic flute
luring the denizens of the town in pursuit
of wonder imagined or remembered.

Soon, carnies, barkers, roustabouts,
circus performers and clowns
will be clamoring around
the spoiled sawdust of the midway
preparing to get away
to warmer climes. Until next year
when they return with all their gear
to astound us yet again.



43 lines