The Girl in a Red Bowler Hat

The Girl in a Red Bowler Hat

The girl in a red

bowler hat

made me smile

as she

bounced up

and down

and waved from

the back

of her elephant ..

And then

again, as she

blew an innocent

kiss, in my

vague direction ..

But that was

so long ago now ..

When all the

colours held fast

and were in

the right places ..

Oh’ such

halcyon days,

when I dreamt

of nothing

but being, a blue

eyed and shiny,

red nosed

clown for her ..

And of course,

for her elephant ..

Sadly, such days

are long

gone away now

and nothing

is left, except

for a few

dry smudges on

the rim of

some discarded

and otherwise,

obsolete

colour wheel ..

An occasional

dream

and of course,

this old scribble ..

 

 

Author's Note

no circus girls or elephants were harmed during the making ..

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

feeling very jealous at this moment. I have been many many places, to the farthest corners of this grand globe, and never have I had a girl in a red bowler hat blow me kisses. I have had a girl on an elephant smile at me so there's that. But still, no red bowler hat girl. Hmmph!!

ah well. I youngish yet. still time. though not sure how me wee missus would take it. that poor girl might well lost her bowler

[Neville]

its a small world but I can't abide jealousy .. it has been the ruination of many otherwise fine friendships .. and anyway, what's a red bowler between buddies eh' ... Neville

[Ken Simm.]

Extraordinary. Bright and yet sad. Full of humour and full of pathos. Only you can do that Neville.

[Neville]

My most profound thank you's Ken, I try .. and whilst I do not always like myself, I am really quite fond of my pen and also proud of my integrity, regardless of what some might otherwise think .. but mark my words, I'm onto them. Neville

[John the Baptist]

What can I tell you, N.? Even the most acute of passions end up being memories.

[Neville]

................. hope so John

[Lorry]

Someone much cleverater than me once said "I don't know when my fear of clowns first started, but it may have been around the time one of them killed my father with an axe!
I get both sides. I was never scared of them, just a bit creeped out, but neither did I want to run away and join them... Especially after my mum told me that story about grandpa and the axe killing clown! 😊

[Neville]

Coulrophobia is one of those things & not at all uncommon .. I bet you will be fine when you are all growed up ... 🤡🐧🤡x

[FGFRANKLIN]

This has all the allure of a Norman Rockwell painting, the innocence, color and animation are all present in great quantity mingled with the nostalgic feel of reminiscence. I really enjoyed reading it. I've never been to a circus, only seen them on TV or in the movies.

[Neville]

Praise indeed Fabian .. Thank you kind sir ..Neville

[FGFRANKLIN]

My pleasure, my friend.

[Stella Armour]

I too loved the circus, the smells and the animals , even sitting on those wooden benches.
I was mesmerized by the bare-back riders i remember,how on earth did the riders stay on?
Old colour wheels fade but faded colours still have their own beauty right out to the edges .

[Neville]

What might truths you have shared with me here .. Old colour wheels fade but faded colours still have their own beauty right out to the edges .. perfik ... Neville

[Neville]

(mighty truths) 💛

[Stella Armour]

also i love photo of Astrid .... she is lovely ♥

[Chris Shaw]

All those primary colours of happy childhood days. This is a wonderful memory. I can recall vividly my visits to Billy Smart’s circus when I was six or seven. It was the trapeze artists that fascinated me as well as those funny clowns with their silly clothes and red noses. Fine poetry Neville

I also stumbled upon
The Elephant and the rider - Jonathan Haidt


Chris

[Neville]

I posted in a hurry to get to my daughters .. I think a few modifications might be in order but am most grateful for your first impressions .. I went to Billy Smarts Circus too .. but then I guess most kids did back in the day ........ Neville 💜