The Circus

Trying to find purpose
Like a clown at the circus
Walking the tightrope of life
Through trouble and strife
I'm struggling
With all the things
I'm juggling

Standing at the main ring
Balancing
On one foot
Not sure where to put
All these things
That my life brings
They're flying all around
And what goes up
Must come down
I'm hopin
They won't be broken
I'm getting weary
My eyes are teary
I need to catch them
Before I detach them
I can't let go
Don't you know?
I'm on a roll
I need control

So many balls in the air
Doesn't anyone care?
If they drop
I can't stop
If one goes down
The rest are sure to follow

Fragile glass balls
It's hard to catch them all
And just for kicks
Candles with wicks
Burning at both ends
And at the sides
I'm struggling
Juggling
The Sharp swords
And long knives
So many people's lives
The Fire of Desire
Flaming pins
Scorching chins
My heart confides
I need a few more arms
Or five alarms

I'm struggling
With all the balls
I'm juggling
Just one slip
Of my lip
Or tongue
One little blip
I'm no longer so young
It will all fall down
To the ground
All these things
My life brings

Freed from their cages
The menagerie circles round
Yet not really free deep down
The big act of the ages
Responding to their training
It's raining
Mockery and chaos
That appears controlled
We are paroled
For good behavior
I wonder if we are fooling
Anyone
Because behind the scene
This happy circus doesn't gleam

You want to laugh
At my crazy act
You think I'm funny
Well listen up honey
Behind the made up face
Of this juggling clown
Is just a girl
Trying to find her way
Wanting attention
And quiet contention
This circus of life
Pays a toll
On her soul

Removing this painted mask
Is my new task
To stop this insane struggle
To juggle
All the things
Life's circus brings

Author's Note

As always any feedback is welcome.

Reviews

[yesidid]

hey i bet this is where old wolly came from the circus looks like a circus dog
i loved your poem,you are a great writer

[Jennesis]

Thank you! So, who is old wolly? :)

[yesidid]

tklittle is old wolly

[Afraa]

This poem was absolutely breathtaking. In fact, it was also very depressing (which are the kind that are the most meaningful). Admittedly, I got a little teary reading this. There is a deep emotion behind the words and it touched me. For that very reason, this has to go on my favorites. Might I add, it was also a very creative poem. I loved how you used a clown juggling balls, standing on a ball on one foot, to depict the struggles of life. People laugh and laugh, but never know what's going on with you. Okay, I should stop here, though I have more to say. I would have wrote a novel over how great this poem is.

Beautifully written, Jennesis.

[Jennesis]

Oh afraa! Thank you so very much for the kind words. I appreciate your feedback. I do think this is how I feel so much all of the time. It is one of my favorites that I've written in a while. I'm so glad you liked it.

[Afraa]

Extremely genuine piece indeed. You created a masterpiece. Looking forward to reading more from you, Jennesis. And you're very welcome!

[Jerome F Knox III pseud..]

If one goes down
The rest are sure to follow needs an end rhyme with follow. In my opinion it is slightly off. Now the rest of the poem is brilliant you painted rich robust metaphors that captivated me through out. I also liked the internal phrase rhymes and the non traditional end rhymes i.e. purpose and circus. Be proud of this as you are creating a body of work that will be your legacy.

[Jennesis]

Thanks for your honest feedback Rico. I will look at it. I may need your help! ~Jennesis

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the third stanza...first line: i read it as "so many balls in the air"---

this is such well sustained metaphor...and that last stanza completes it perfectly with some zing.
life and love are juggling acts for sure...and everyone loves the circus...shades of ferlinghetti here.

[Jennesis]

Thanks Jacob, what a compliment! And yes, that line is supposed to say "so many balls in the air", my brain didn't pick it up.