August 26, 2024

I miss the dogs, but not the ponies,

Loved the job, hated the phonies,

Could do the ropes, got lost in the loops,

Surrendering the reins to the troops.

----------------

An acrobat flying alone through it all,

At least I wasn't the human cannonball.

Juggled with the best during my high wire climb

Playing the mute in the pantomime.

----------------

Left the stilts for the smaller man,

The contortions to the clan

Climbing in and out of the clown car,

While I dangled from the trapeze bar.

-------------------

It's not easy to herd the big cats

When the side show's where it's at,

Or to play the handcuffed, miming disciple,

Careening about on a unicycle.

--------------------

Never willing to wear the jester's crown,

I knew my act was wearing down.

Once I missed that last barrel jump,

I was destined to be out on my rump.

----------------------------

People need not fear for the show though:

Sword-swallowing, fire-breathing, still a go,

You still have the elephant in the room,

Followed by the lackey with shovel and broom.