By Joyce Jacobo
[Author’s Note: I missed a circus that went through my town, so I wrote about one instead. Hope you enjoy their performance.]
Among ever-shifting dreamscape pathways
travels a chain of interlocking caravans
akin to a serpent through shadowy undergrowth
with sides covered in posters
that advertise attractions
such as tightropes
flaming hoops
and magic acts
all illuminated by oversized fireflies
Nightmares pull the process forward—
two sturdy dark stallions whose manes flicker
and crackle
while a willowy figure
dressed in a lavender cloak and top hat
holds onto their leads
They venture deep into a mind
there to settle into a glade and begin their subtle mischief
Music entices the dreamer like a magic spell
from normal visions into a festival filled with games
and unusual characters
whose visages change
frequently
then soon…
…to an enormous striped tent…
…where the guest will find a special seat reserved
Just for them
while the lavender-cloaked figure reveals herself
as the Ringleader
She summons forth one performer after another
with the flick of a wrist and a ruby-headed cane
personalized to fit the audience
…well-known friends might dance high up on the tightrope
…or a mustached uncle might suddenly
gain the ability to train creatures—
with a strange resemblance to childhood plushies
…before the Ringleader will invite the dreamer into the ring
to assist in various magic tricks
and ride upon the shoulders of performers
until dawn approaches
to drive the troupe away
Good-hearted souls reflect them
as peculiar but pleasant entertainers
with sweet visions among their antics
…but wicked minds will experience only twisted tidings
from monstrous beings
forgotten in the darkness
yet remembered in frayed nerves
long afterwards
In each case
they remain a single night before they are off again—
passing wanderers who whisper to their audiences,
“May the circus live on
inside of you always.”
Beautiful visual journey. Love it.💕
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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I sure did. My pleasure .💕
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Awww. ^_^
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