Cirque de la Mort

You abandoned me here, left me to die.

You - an unfaithful servant of loving emotions -

Bit the hand that fed you.

I knew in the beginning that you would be

Like crossing a high wire over rushing traffic.

But I never pictured the ending in which

Your deceitful self would cut the line;

Leaving me to tumble, head over heart,

Down to the ground far beneath.

Even after you cut the roap

And I plummeted toward the netless ground,

I saw you. Watched you

Place the knife perfectly so that when I landed,

The blade would dig precisely and evenly

Between the bones of my back.

Holding me in place to watch

As the carnies and clowns,

Bearded ladies and crazy acrobats

Laugh in their hauntingly merciless ways.

You spun the board on which I was strapped down

Then deserted me to the nonexistent benevolence

Of knife throwers and fire breathers.

But the last image I managed to see

As the lions and tigers tore me limb from limb

Was you -

You leading another blind dove to the top

Of the bewitching high wire.

Author's Note

Benevolence = kindness

Reviews

[M]

Great imagery that really brought the reader into the speaker's world, though I would shy away from commonplace sayings like "Bit the hand that fed you", since they take away from the uniqueness of the poem. I would say this for the "blind dove" image at the end as well. These are loaded phrases that get the job done, but they also detract from the uniqueness of the speaker's experience by using them.

I would also like to see more of the emotions / actions of the circus performers. I imagine they act malevolently toward the speaker in terms of torturing her and making her a prop. A circus is a mystical setting and you can really play off its mystique and foreign quality.

[Katie Marie]

I, personally, would have to disagree with M. Those phrases don't take anything away from the uniqueness of the poem, and in fact add to the suspenseful and mysterious effect that you have written. Again, the imagery in your poems just absolutely amazes me, and this poem is no exception. I felt like I could see from the eyes of the victim of this backstabbing tragedy, and felt the feelings of hate and betrayal that were portrayed.
Again, another very well written poem Olive.

Your Friend,
Katie Marie

[Emerald Seas]

Wow, great write. There are a few typos that could using fixing so as to really put it up there (roap - rope). Some guys have that knack of reeling one in until she's head over heels then they're ready to drop her like a hot potato to go after the next conquest. They're addicted to the challenge of the hunt, the pursuit, rather than the rewards of a real relationship. A sign of immaturity perhaps. I'd like to think most men out grow this sport, but some do not. Excellent interpretation.

[ThIsDaRkRoAdToNoWhErE]

Aw, wow!!! Such a great poem!! Beautifully tragic in every way. It completely reminded me of the many who led me into their cage of deceit. And when the iron bars shut, i was their bit of morsel for their enjoyment as well. Totally came full circle, this piece. Great job!!! :D

[Lily Mae]

Some are very skilled at driving the knife and just clean themselves off and walk away.. and are on to the next.. Knowing this pain I can empathize with you.. Great expressions of painful emotion...xo

[Melekije]

This is absolutely amazing, the imagery and sense of feeling is put together so well. I have to say that hit straight to the heart. Beautiful.

[victoria]

good riddance I (politely) say, great write Olive.