BigTop

This morning

Like a melancholy clown.

 

The world's all drum-rolls

And high-wires.

 

Every word could tumble and

Fall into confetti water.

 

 

Each night

Like a toothless tiger

 

Thoughts all soft and

With no point,

 

As a moustachio man

Cracks a whip

I slip away

Into the circus.

 

 

Is it time to perform,

Yet again?

 

Put on yer

Showtime Smile.

Reviews

[Samith Pich]

I really like the consistent metaphor Jim, circuses have become a melting pot of different meanings and space - ranging from fantastical to the depressing. I especially like the line

Every word could tumble and
Fall into confetti water.

it takes the images of tumbling clowns, confetti and water to new places - each one a sadder reflection but nevertheless wonderful images.

Personally I would not have left a line between 'toothless tiger' and 'thoughts all soft' to build up that image.

The ending is not as great as the rest of the poem but nevertheless it is a lovely poem.

Thanks for sharing

Samith

[R J Askew]

I like the circus references. The circus seems a false world. But is it? Or is parody of the circus true and are we the ones who are faking it as your poem suggests. There is a ring about 'melancholy clown' that catches the ear also. But the best bit for me is the surreal dynamism of words tumbling into confetti water.