»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #5
»
Passion's Carnival......Community poem
| Open Poetry #5 |
|
Passion's Carnival......Community poem |
|
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
|
Adults and children, hear my call! Allow me to present The greatest show you'll ever see Beneath the bigtop tent. The acts are ready....here we go So come on, one and all To see the greatest show on Earth... The Passions carnival! N A N They come from far They come from near They stand in line For tickets here They're on their way I see them swarm My ticket booth En masse they storm All sorts of folk From short to tall Are ready for Our carnival... Poet deVine Laughter and music in cacophony From the circus big top tonight But I sit here with old Rosie Knowing something is just not right Poor Rosie is off her feed She’s listless and she’s tired She’s now fourteen years old And soon, she’ll be retired Her dark, elephant eyes beseech me Trusting me to make the pain go So as the circus Vet I tend her Crooning soft and low The clowns crowd around her Before they have to perform As my assistant hands me The right dose of chloroform I probe and prod her chest Till I find what I knew I would Old Rosie has been such a trouper As any circus performer should She opened her eyes once more that night As though to thank me for her liberation Then quietly Rosie slipped away To her heavenly destination. Laughter and music in cacophony Proclaim the crowd’s delight And accompany Rosie in her final hour A circus performer has died tonight! MARGE TINDAL I'll be the lady on the flying trapeze. I'll wear my wings, not much else, if you please. Scantly clad, Flying through the air. They'll get their money's worth as they intently stare. As I flip and fly with the greatest of ease, the half-naked lady on the flying trapeze. When the show is over and the tent is down I'll leave them gasping all over this town. For years they'll tell of the Big Top queen, the half-naked lady on the flying machine. SALLY S. They call me Saddie, the Bearded Lady. I got it many years ago when I started with the show. It's not insulting, no not for Saddie. Though some may go a bit too far, they rarely leave a scar. Well, what's a girl to say? No longer shave--No way! I'd rather stay right here at the circus than to hide away... 'Cause I'm Saddie, the Bearded Lady. The "Hottie" that owns no Schick, Baby... See, I'm Saddie...the Bearded Laaady, Might not smashin' but in France it's fashion. Yes, I'm Saddie.....Don't fall in love. (I'd break your heart) Don't fall in love. J U L I E I am a Lion Tamer. Hear me Roar! A tall brunette Damer. Those little kitties bow to their knees, whining persnikities. Give me some more! SUNSHINE The elephants are being cleaned and fed, the monkeys are safe in their cages, the acrobats and artists are working hard, and the roustabouts are preparing the stages. Each and every circus member that's here takes their lead from the Great Balladeer, but let it never, ever be thought or said that I don't keep just everyone fed! For not only do I run the Concession Stand, why, I do my part, and with my hands I dip corn dogs in batter so feathery light and with cotton candy make smiles bright. My apples are crisp and red glaze beckons, popcorn is plenty, a buttery confection, plenty of syrup for fizzy drinks all around, I have treats for everyone, from master to clown. Sausage dogs, hot dogs, bratwurst is great, mustard, sauerkraut, pickles [no gain of weight] nachos with cheeses, onions, chili or sauce, working here is wonderful with Balladeer as Boss. But when all of the visitors have seen the lights, when the animals sleep, we close for the night, then my real work begins, it starts again, for that's when I listen to the concession of sins. For most come to work in the Circus are in fear and from secret lives they've run away to here as they know there's no one day long in town so their secret lives won't be uncovered or found. I've heard dark, dark tales from them most, as no fine performer likes ever to boast, but they have confided their lives to me as I nightly feed their souls for free. By daylight their souls are refreshed and re-fed, and they take to their lives as to a Manor led, for they know their smiles, or their tears, will gain laughter, and when you're with the Circus, that's all that you're after. CAROLINE Madame Belladona I will tell your fortune Come and see my crystal ball Discover what awaits you I'll amaze you ~ one and all I offer some refreshment A lovely cup of tea and when you have imbibed I'll gaze down at the leaves What is on the path for you is what I shall relate Following lines upon your palm A reading most intimate Enter into my dark abode Hear the future's tale and trust in what I show you Madame's visions never fail The road ahead may be easy or life, it may encumber But one thing is for certain Old Madame's got your number! A N G E L I need a volunteer from the audience please Really, that's okay, I can't accept fleas Yes, you there in front, what is your name? Oh well, Toerag, let us get on with our game You are going to be part of quite a trick Everyone watch close, us magicians are slick I put the magical red towel over Toe's head "Alakazam, AbraCadbra" the magic words said I just snapped my fingers and that was all And Toe's little towel just began to fall Everyone looked around worrying about Toe As each child wondered "Where did he go?" I was so excited that my trick was a success But now I got myself into an even bigger mess When learning the trick, I sort of slacked And now don't know how to bring Toe back! SUTHERN The performance is over, the clowns are asleep. Yet I’ve got a mountain of popcorn to sweep. Gallons of soft drinks were spilled down the aisles But the faces of children glowed with their smiles. As the trapeze artists flew through the air Cotton candy was dropped, now it’s everywhere. Shrieks filled the tent as the tigers gave roar (Even from those who’d seen us before!) My job in the circus has no glitter or glamour But tomorrow night, when the little ones clamor For a glimpse into magic, these seats will be clean. I’ll be watching their pleasure, though I’ll stay unseen. TOERAG It's Balladeer's Traveling Circus, The midway's full of fun, Games and sideshows miraculous, Something for everyone! Madame Caroline will gaze into her ball, And tell of your future to be, "Your night will turn into "Sunshine" She'll sell ya some cotton candy." See Suthern's booth of Cajun Cuisine, Red Beans and Hot sausage galore, The finest in Creole dining, You couldn't ask for anything more! See Marge bust her rump on the flying trapeze, Just purchase a ticket from Nan, Angel will make your billfold disappear, With one little slight of her hand. Side shows and peep shows, Little Lucie the dancer, Julie will tame a lion, Balladeer a ferocious hamster. Lucie will dance for a dime, One little tenth of a dollar, She does the dance of the pyramids, Makes the guys all whistle and holler. She'll be wearing next to nothing, She loves to show it all, Just a ring in her belly button, After the final cloth falls.. She'll do a triple somersault, Then she hits the ground, She winks at the audience, And then she turns around, She has a picture of old Toerag, Tattooed on her spine, Saying; "Passions in Ron's Poetry, Ninteen hundred Ninty nine... A Balladeer and Baily and Poet de vine, Circus of stars and entertainment so fine, Just follow Sally the Bearded lady, With the Amish like beard on her chin, Or Iloveit the hairy granny, With hair on her chest and that's the end! ALICAT I used to be taller Close to six feet And needing a job I dressed really neat The Manager looked at My meager resume And told me the job He gladly would pay He gave me a shovel And an apron that fit And told me to clean up The elephant's...pit Oh, I used to be taller Five-nine or more But I can't really say That's the case anymore So I slaved for that Tulgy old nit Up to my knees in The elephant...pit As I was toiling Oh, what a lark It got hot and steamy And suddenly dark But I was still tall My spine wasn't bent Still dressed really fine A high-class gent Oh, the tribulations Of my poor little spine For I was sat upon Four or five times I can't leave now 'Spite the dung I've dug For I'm hooked on show-biz It's in my blood DELEEME I'll walk the tight rope As I've oft' done at work, Many things I've also juggled-- (My boss is such a Jerk)! But these skills come in handy I might even sing a song, But we can't let down the kiddies-- Yes, the show must go on! TARA SIMMS I’m the lovely trainer, Dressed to kill Sequined jacket, top hat And spiked heels. Watch as I make These horses dance Following orders, They step high and prance. Round and round they go Heads held high Galloping quickly, Look how they fly! SMITTY Mr. Balladeer, excuse me, please I understand this circus needs Someone who, with teeth so strong Can twirl above the gaping throng And holding on by just her teeth [Without a safety net beneath] Thrill the crowd with feats so bold You'll find she's worth her weight in gold. Oh sir, I'm just the girl for you As I have twirled a time or two And references I can supply Touting my ability to fly Please give me the opportunity To join your three-ring company I'm dependable and you will see Just what an asset I can be My education does include A degree in Circus Aptitude I graduated Magna cum Flew [From your alma mater, Big Top U] And, in regards to salary I might even work for free! Oh, should it sway a deciding vote I can bring in a dentist's note... JUSTIN CONSISTANT There's no finer place in this world for me and all my Justin family. I'll set them center stage with paint and brushes plentifully by their sides. Crayons of course for Andrew Scott our wax enthusiast. A vee wee van to be their easel as the colors drool from their brushes. Andrew's crayons will dissolve to become a heated masterpiece. Dr. Moose will run the aisles with his 6 foot thermometer. Nurse Crachet with loaded syringe chasing feverishly behind him. Elmer Fudd with loaded gun firing milk duds at everyone. jboulder You're missing something, don't you know, Without me in your live freak show. Women will faint and children will cry When my fright'ning visage captures the eye. I'm the beer-bellied dog boy, can't you see! I'll chase the cat-girl up the tree, Yelp when the fat lady steps on my tail, Bark at the man who brings the mail. I'll drink from a toilet, scratch at my fleas, Eat scraps from the table (no chicken bones please!) Whimper and whine if you leave me alone, Gnaw all day on a big, meaty bone! I'll play fetch with myself, walk myself too, I'm even housetrained! (Okay, that's not true). I'll be a great asset, I'm my own best friend! One thing I ask. May I smell your rear end? LngJhnAg I'm the ringmaster of the show of Fleas, Step right up, your tickets please. See how they jump and fly about, They are amazing, there is no doubt. One flea is from the British Isles, Where he made our Rainbow smile. He wanted to dine down in her muff, She was too sweet, he was too tough. Another is from way down south, Where he met Belle and "checked her out." Just one bite and it was "See you later," Ain't no one can stand an alligator! The happiest flea is from Cape Cod, Where he once lived on our Nan's bod. He seems content (I presume), To have imbibed on her perfume. Another flea is downright mad, At the dog who dropped him on Toerag. He thought he'd get a decent meal, Just one bite, and he's spitting still! There was a flea, but now he's toast, Because he lived on the Florida coast. He thought venison would be a treat, But our 'Deer made him dead meat. And little Lovey, so sweet and pure, All the fleas, for her, demur. They're sure she is sweet and fair, But they get lost in all her hair! This circus of my little pets, Is filled with happiness and regrets. And yet they perform three times a day, Before we pitch our tents and move away. I S I S Don't forget to see, The amazing elastic woman, She can bend, stretch, twist and turn Any way you please. It's always entertaining, To watch her visually astounding show, For she can do things you won't belive, Sit back and let your mind go. Watch my amazing feats, It'll leave you crying for more, At our wonderful circus, There is so much to explore. Dr.Moose1 Circus Circus , oh boy and how And finally I've found it now No-one told me of this one I almost missed out on the fun Perhaps I could be Mighty Max Long on strength but short on facts Arms of steel and head the same Yup , can't remember my own name That may be a problem though One so dumb in this great show Only if I could compute ? ( would they let me out the institute? ) CUDDLEZ I am ringmaster Balladeer, Simply the lady with no fear. I ride the big horses Amid the crowd's voices Doing jumping jacks On their rosined-backs Hearing the crowd roar In amazement, just like the night before Flipping to one side and then the other Flirting and laughing at disaster The rodeo would just not be complete Without my lovely feats I have more balance on a horse Than any one on land of course Will you accept me please? Before I go pay my rodeo fees ** My thanks to all these wonderful poets and their participation ** |
||
| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wow! The greatest show on earth! You all did well! My hat's off to you, one and all! Denise |
||
Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
This was awesome! Well done, everyone! I truly enjoyed the show-be sure to come back! Elizabeth Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Can I buy a ticket??????  |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
WOw...now this is one circus I'd like to see |
||
|
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Entertaining and quite revealing Great job, ya'll Liz |
||
|
Betty Gravitt Member
since 1999-09-11
Posts 222Georgia United States |
Wonderful show. Please can we have another? Very soon. B Gravitt |
||
|
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Great job of putting it all together, Balladeer! Sure was a good one!  |
||
|
Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I'll buy a ticket..and another...and another...  (acrobat smiley faces!) |
||
|
Jim Hastings Junior Member
since 1999-12-22
Posts 23Arizona |
I really enjoyed the show The only thing I want to know How much money did you make Someone tell me what was the take Ahh I see it was all for fun and laughs That is untill you left out the giraffes ohh it was a circus, not a zoo guess I'll watch it again with you |
||
|
Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
I so enjoyed the Passions Carnival, A once in a lifetime show, The roar of the crowd, the feeling of family, Always make the heart glow.. Reach inside your heart, that is the greatest gift you can bestow. Merry Christmas.. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
||
|
Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
This was so much fun...(clapping hands) Wonderful!!!! A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! Shannon |
||
|
Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
WoW this is great, I'll be there with...bells on LoL...Hey Jim, maybe I will bring a giraffe just for you LoL ~*~ Hell is not a place of fire and a devil with a tail and horns. But a place of torment because the light of God is gone. To escape this, accept the blood of Jesus Christ! ~*~ |
||
|
RSEvans Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147Tulsa, OK, USA |
Good one guys! Massive...but good. |
||
|
Beri Member
since 1999-11-25
Posts 149 |
Oh where oh where, can you tell me please? Oh where oh where can I find the ticket line? Oh where oh where, can you tell me please? Oh where oh where can I find this circus so fine? Oh where oh where, can you tell me please? Oh where oh where can I find this excellent show? Oh where oh where, can you tell me please? Oh where oh where can I find this place that I must go? ********************************************* Lovely and entertaining poem you guys! I'd love to see one put on as such! Heehee! If you love something, set it free, if it comes back to you, its meant to be... |
||
|
RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
How often I kept telling myself..."you must add something here" and time passed so quickly but every entry is magnificent...so many people with hearts of gold because, as we all know, the circus is for children! HUSG Don't ask me where I'm going, just listen when I'm gone and far away you'll hear me singing softly to the dawn. |
||
|
Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
I'm totally impressed...this is wonderful guys! *clap* *clap* *clap*  |
||
|
Mark R. Member
since 1999-06-25
Posts 113San Francisco, CA. |
Great show everyone! Very, very well done. |
||
Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Pssst ~ did ya'll see that half naked lady on the trapeze? Oh the wonders of the circus! The price was right and the acts did not disappoint. This is the first circus I have ever been to - and I am smiling (even as I mourn the elephant whose time it was to go the Big Top in the Sky). Love this. A |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Boy, I had forgotten this one, Alison!! We used to have a lot of fun with so many people participating in these little adventures.. |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
