The circus is in town.

The ring leaders

for the next ten months

will provide the illusion that a two

way ring can bring the hero

of the hour, the usual suspect

who can reach the converted

and pull off cunning stunts

in the swinging trapeze

but to whom over thirty states

will always suggest that their clown

is always the guy they choose.

 

From Iowa to Texas to New York,

the circus only exists because

the land is so vast and the land is arid

of any real choice, the colours fallen for,

the Donkey in the room

skipping to the Elephant’s trunk…

I shook the hand of the last great Ring Master,

charmed by the smile, charmed by a nation

running through the tent, one at a time,

one at a time…

how can you not love the circus,

it never fails to deliver

upon its flim flam.

 

Ian D. Hall 2016