Enjoy The Show

[michaelgallatin]

Enjoy the show
for as you know
the circus
is in town.

For awhile
you'll wear a smile,
there's no way
you will frown.

Live in a dream,
laugh and scream
while you watch
it all unfold.

Look at each ring
and be a king
with sights worth
more than gold.

Watch people fly
and death defy
hanging far
above your head.

While in a cage
the lions rage,
it's a wonder
no one's dead.

A pretty girl of course
upon a horse
does things
you've never seen.

As the tricks of a chimp,
that little imp,
prove that
his wits are keen.

And the clowns are funny
so it's worth the money,
it's not a lot
to pay.

So much to see
for you and me
that we can
spend the day.

Just step on in
and wear a grin
because you
really should.

It's a gift for you
from a precious crew
who want you
to feel good.

Michael " Bless The Big Top" Gallatin

[purplespirit]

Enjoyed your poem a lot Mike, isn't it good that we can forget about the world "outside" while being fascinated by such a show! We then are a bit like children, just marveling and impressed while all the heavy burdens fall from our shoulders --- if only we could leave them dropped off, afterwards. You really paint the pictures of these moments of art and fun. Thank you! Ulla xx

[rrw]

I also like it, Mike. Nice bounce to it... a lovely way to live this life. Good sense of rhythm to it.

[johan]

Remember them when I was younger Michael, sorry to say British circus has all but disappeared, haven't seen one for years, all this health and safety! Great poem as always my friend.

Johan

[jbstillwater]

Always loved the circus, Mike. I can remember my father taking me when I was a very little gairl, on the morning all of the crew arrived with their wagons and huge tents . We stayed and watched them set up and I always got an ice-cream cone after.

[michaelgallatin]

Jan 23, 2012 11:43:21 GMT -5 johan said:

Remember them when I was younger Michael, sorry to say British circus has all but disappeared, haven't seen one for years, all this health and safety! Great poem as always my friend.

Johan

Andrew,

This poem was inspired by a documentary film I saw on the Rosaire family, generations of people working with animals in various circus acts. What I wanted to tell you is that it all began in England! Derrick Rosaire Sr. was born there and began his animal training and circus career there. And the circus is dying out all over, not much left here in the US either. Animal acts often incurred the ire of animal rights activists who obviously meant well but also saw everything as black with no gray or white. The Rosaires treated their animals as family with excellent care and no abuse. You could argue they still weren't allowed to be wild but many of these animals were rescued from worse places and unable to return to a wild habitat. Each received food, good care, a home and love up until its death. The family now operates an animal habitat in Florida. I'd love to see it someday and meet them!

Mike

[michaelgallatin]

Thank you all so much! What I like about the circus; the family bond the people have, their love of giving us joy and wonder and the fact that for awhile you can be a kid again, enthralled and happy!

Mike