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Michael
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Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2000-04-18 10:13 PM


LIFE IN THE CIRCUS


Life in the circus ain't no fun at all.
I've walked the high wire, I've taken the fall..
I've danced with the lion, I've stared in those eyes,
Touched the tiger's tail, I've heard the mime's cries.

I've stood in shadow, I've held center stage,
But two eyes in the crowd hold me to this cage.
For I ne'er could fly as those on the trapeze.
Who've captured the awe of whom I long to please.

And all seem to laugh as I cry and I cry.
A billion faces, yet but one holds my eye.
Trapped in a spotlight ‘er shining on me,
It blinds me, yes, but without it I can't see.

And everyday's another town on the way.
I'll never know "home", but I guess that's O.K.
If but for your laughter, I'll offer my best,
For who dare sees the tears a clown cries in jest?

With a painted smile I'll just play my part.
But the Ringmaster knows the truths in my heart.
Who knows, maybe one day you'll see it too,
The tears of a clown are but memories of you.


Michael Anderson


< !signature-->

 For all behind was dark and drear,
And all before was night and fear.
How many hours of night or day
In those suspended pangs I lay,
I could not tell; I scarcely knew
If this were human breath I drew.

Lord Byron






[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 04-19-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
Jeffrey Carter
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367
State of constant confusion!
1 posted 2000-04-18 10:17 PM


Speechless...ummm...ummm....let me get back to you on this one

Jeffrey

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

2 posted 2000-04-19 01:18 AM


Life in the circus ain't no fun at all.
I've walked the high wire, I've taken the fall..
I've danced with the lion, I've stared in those eyes,
Touched the tiger's tail, I've heard the mime's cries.
---------------
For I ne'er could fly as those on the trapeze.
Who've captured the awe of whom I long to please.

And all seem to laugh as I cry and I cry.
A billion faces, yet but one holds my eye.
Trapped in a spotlight ‘er shining on me,
It blinds me, yes, but without it I can't see.

-----------------
For M,

I know and you know...all to well how to cry the tears of a clown,
we all have our own ways of getting thru --
when life's hurt pulls us down.
I see the sorrow behind your painted on smile...
and I understand your pain...
and I know...that you know...
some of my pain is the same.

I've never kept it a secret...
that I have been drawn to your poetic words so divine,
And I know you realize ... sometimes I can read between the lines.
At times it seemed you were lost in the darkness ...
but I could always find your light,
I knew if you could hold on to your faith and your poetry...
that you would be all right.

I wish I held the secret, or possessed the gift...
to know the right things to say and do...
To help you see your own light ...
and to take some of your pain and burdens off of you.
I offer you these things...the same way they were once offered to me...
I once had and angel of friendship hold my hand ...
and it set my tired spirit free.

I only want to try to touch you ...
the way your words touch my heart...
To let you know you always have a friend to lean on,
should the tears start.
(and to remind you, with this friend...
you don't have to wear a fake smile or play a part)
BUT hopefully along the way...I can make you smile a time or two...
maybe in time we will ALL find our way...if we look for the light to get us thru.
jm


was there ever any doubt you wouldnt take the challenge to new heights....  
perfect reply M,
take care, jm

< !signature-->

 Well the sun sets gently on your shoulders
And it makes me want to touch you there.
And the light in your eyes makes me feel
Like there's something much better out there
Something kind...
And I know someday I might be looking around
Trying to find some purpose
Well purpose it can't be that hard to find
As long as I've got the wind...
The wind and your love to carry me.
vertical horizon




[This message has been edited by Janet Marie (edited 04-19-2000).]

Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
3 posted 2000-04-19 01:40 AM


Enthralled with your work....as usual, you meet any challenge....this is wonderful.
poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
4 posted 2000-04-19 02:29 AM


This is indeed beautiful...in a haunting sort of way. You did well with this, and made ours look like child's play!     Lovely addition there JM...very nice.  Indeed, anyone who has you for a friend is lucky for sure!  
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

5 posted 2000-04-19 04:09 AM


Michael--words escape me--but that's no wonder since it seems you have possession of them all...This felt more personal to me...(perhaps because I could relate...)  Let's NOT page Dr. Freud....
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
6 posted 2000-04-19 04:11 AM


Break my heart why dontcha???
Sigh Mike, tears of a CLOWN indeed! Hammin' it up, looking for the sympathy vote again!

Awesome bro, like the twist and the cliche!

Mistikman
Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682
San Jose, CA, USA
7 posted 2000-04-19 10:24 AM


Gee, I wish I could have a bottomless pit of inspiration   Your ability to write astounding dark poetry never ceases to amaze me Michael. Bravo  
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
8 posted 2000-04-19 07:03 PM


Jeffrey, LOL...TY

Janet, thank you so much for the poetic reply.  I know you read into me a bit more than most people.  I thank you for your concerns and cares. Indeed, you are my friend.

PdV, Uh, that reminds me, you gave me a challenge didn't you??? - Something about an ulcer I think, let me see what I can do.

Gen, I hoped you would not be offended in my taking on your challenge here.  The phraze seemed to "haunt" me...LOL

serenity, Um, you could call this one "personal"...   'twas quite personal to me.

Chris, LOL - As if you even have a heart.  And you're the only "ham" I see here.  Thanks, bro.

Mistikman, trust me on this, you don't wish to have this bottomless pit...  But I'm glad you  like the poetry, even still.


Thanks one and all for the gracious replies.

Michael

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
9 posted 2000-04-19 07:35 PM


This one I call brilliant, Michael. Great thoughts, great phrases, and very well put together. "I've heard the mime's cries"....fantastic line.
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