TRICKS OF LIFE

The world of magic

Darkness shrouds the room

flashlights propel in circles

audience of children

a magician with black top hat

on stage

               Silence

Magician launches his tricks

objects appear and disappear

in a flash

 

children’s eyes glued open

               Laughter

               Wonder

               Astonishment

               Query

               Screeches

               Squeals

 

The bewilderment of it all

children crave more

more, more, more

they clap in unison

the magician bows

and weeps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Abhilash Hegde]

As kids, we are drawn to magic and it's so fascinating. As we grow up, we realize, it's a bunch of tricks that are played on us, just the very way bunch of tricks life plays on us. I like the description of magic here, the scene, the play and the amuse. Thanks for sharing Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

A distinct pleasure!
Warmly
B🌷

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Betty.. when my Son Robert was Five. his sister Edie Marie was born... and when he was ten years old... I had a Magician present Magic for Bob's Birthday Party with the neighborhood Kids. The Magician looked similar to your Photo with a Black Top Hat and a Magic Cane. It was quite a setting on our large Knotty Pine enclosed front Porch with many Windows and heat in the Winter. On September 24, 1970, the Magician pulled out a Large White Rabbit from his Black Top Hat. The children were mesmerized... as was I myself. Your Poem relives those Moments. Robert married a bit later in Life to Leilani and they have two daughters Shannah and Kahless who enjoy dancing and spending time on the Family Kayaks in the Inlets. gently, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely story dear Pat, thank you for your magic review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

I love magic and illusionist. There is something awe inspiring and fascinating about a good illusionist. It allows my brain to escape reality an feel the joy of being mesmerized by an optical illusion

[Betty Hermelee]

Merry to! I used to go regularly as a kid, and wonderment of it all was amazing… than you for fine review
Warmly, B🌷

[emmajoygreen]

This is poetry at its best, magical and yet - a thoughtful moment wondering about the man who lives in the depth of his fleeting creations. Is he invisible, is it his craft that people remember? How, what, why, which and where? Those excited children will need think of that for the remainder of their lives. Perhaps.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Em…. So happy you enjoyed the poem! Thank you dearest!
Warmly B🌷

[Laz K.]

This poem was painted with a quick brush, giving the reader quick impressions of a fleeting scene. Magic has many forms, and stage magic is one of them that appeals to children especially. It's good to be reminded of the existence of a world that's behind our visible, logical, rational world. Magic is all atround us, if we know where to look.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a very special review!
Warmly, B

[Mystical Ink]

What a beautifully crafted poem! Your depiction of the magic show is so vivid, I could almost hear the children's laughter and see their wide-eyed wonder. The way you've described the magician's performance and the children's reactions brings the scene to life with such clarity and emotion. The final line, where the magician bows and weeps, adds a poignant touch that leaves the reader contemplating the deeper emotions behind the spectacle. Your use of contrast between the children's joy and the magician's tears is powerful and thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing this mesmerizing piece.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a very thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

Life does Play tricks on all of us: magic moments, sad moments twists and turns. What lies beneath of us is what matters the most in any show.
I love it!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sami.appreciate your words!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Betty.

[Marie]

I love the innocence of children so enthralled by the magician as he performs all his little tricks to amuse them, all slight of hand. I love all the ways the children show their delight through words and their excitement is detectable as they beg for more and more and more. It is difficult to know why the magician cries at the end of his performance, but I like to think that his tears are happy tears brought about by the joy of the children. You, dear Betty, are a magician with words and you always conjure up the most amazing, heart touching, exquisite little poetic gems with your magic wand. Love this poem and excellent choice of graphic! Thank you for sharing, dear Betty...

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Marie!
Thank you so much for that awesome review...I like to think that poets have different takes on the ending, makes it interesting!
Warmly, B

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear Betty...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sounds like he wishes he could magically bring his love back.
sad but creative....sleight of pen here.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank your. For a creative review🌷
Warmly, B

[Lydia Shutter]

Great description of the mesmerizing effect a magician can have on an audience. But the magician weeps? Similar to tears of a clown? Not sure, but I loved the mental picture this one painted! Lydi**

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Lydi for a lovely review!
Warmly, B🌹