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Open Poetry #4
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Carnival Of Guilt
| Open Poetry #4 |
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Carnival Of Guilt |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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CARNIVAL OF GUILT I was greeted well enough at the door, Giving my ticket to the clown. I saw attractions by the score, Still, none seemed to slow me down. I heard laughter all around me, Yet, I felt a silent jeer. No, it didn't take me long to see I was not welcome here. Heads were turning, eyes were burning, Suddenly, all laughs were gone. Only silent glares and my stomach, churning, In repulsed fear pushed me on. I walked faster, yet so did they, What this horde wanted I did not know. Running to the nearest door on my way, I found myself at "The Freak Show". Sneaking backstage, in hopes to hide, I saw a two-headed man in a fight Against himself, each head taking a side, But neither side was right. Both looked at me, without words being said, Each pointing their given hand to a door. Smiling, as if somehow my thoughts they read, They knew what I was here for. Walking inside, with what I saw, Thought defunct my human eyes. Though inside I was struck with awe, I tried not to show surprise. I saw a four legged woman walking With a man who had no legs at all, Living, loving, laughing and talking As if he stood ten feet tall. A bearded lady singing, soft in tone To a man who had two noses. A man so skinny he looked to lack bone In the mirror, practicing poses. I stood, amazed, at the shapes he took, As my misdirected thoughts ran. It seemed he could make himself to look Like anything but a "normal" man. As if sensing my questioning mind, A boy approached beginning to speak, "Stay, safely, here awhile, you will find The answers to that which you seek." I looked down seeing each arm without hand, But pinchers like a lobster, instead. He said, "There's things the world won't understand That can be grasped in here, full-fled." He gestured to a snake-skinned man And said, "Beauty, truly is in the eye. Viewed by the world, a charlatan, Won't you give the magic mirror a try." So I Stepped over and took my view, Beheld a man without a face. It was suddenly so clear, I knew, In life I'd finally found my place. Now every night people stop and stare, Maybe we just raise their self-esteem. Some pity us thinking it's not fair, Others think were just here to scheme. But I recall the other side, I know What leads you to jeer and jilt. And what you see as "The Freak Show" Is nothing but your carnival of guilt. ------------------ Michael Anderson Loneliness isn't in being alone, Loneliness is alone in being. [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 11-24-1999).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
Whoa Michael! What a mind-blowing experience this was! It's poetry like this, that makes me feel quite inadequate to stand next to you!  The way you spin such tales into rhyme just boggles me to no end! And this spoke such a powerful message too....Well, I could go on and on, but others would call me partial, so I'll just say wow, and leave it at that! Love you...I see your face, and your spirit - and what I behold is absolute breathtaking warmth and beauty.....deep inside you, lies mountains of emotional gold, and loving diamonds....thank you for giving them to me....------------------ ~~ Lift your head high - spread your "words" and fly - - poetFemmeFatale |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
I can't believe this poem has gone over like a prophylactic machine in a maternity ward! This is indeed good and thought provoking....(and I ain't biased like that naughty gal above me)......... |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Michael - This is so thought-provoking that it boggles the mind. To read and read again, perchance to find ... an image in the mirror that doesn't resemble me. You do have a way of taking me 'backstage'. ------------------ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Michael: I'm not biased, either. *S* And perhaps the reason the responses are slow is that this isn't a poem that people can say "that's nice" or "well done" and keep moving on... it demands that you pay attention... and once you're paying attention to it, you're speechless. So... now that I've done my 'splainin'... *G* Well done, Michael! And giggles to Toe...  |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
An excellent piece of writing, Michael. I enjoyed this poem and the message. ------------------ Denise |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
It is very easy, and almost impossible not, to envision these scenes in a Rod Serling type of performance. To come up with these thoughts is remarkable. To be able to display them on paper is brilliant. Bravo! |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
And besides, Balladeer knows he was the star of the freak show...!! |
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FreeByrd Member
since 1999-11-03
Posts 267 |
Michael, This one kicks. To borrow from M.M. and change the words slightly. ------------------ |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
LOL, Toe, on the prophylactic machine in a maternity ward!, though that's probably how these people felt trying to go over in society. All these "freaks" mentioned were real people in real "Freak Shows" traveling the country in the 1930's with the exception of myself, the faceless man...that is merely a perception of self. Indeed, I often think I would be more at home in the Freak Show than in the plastic society we live in today. I thank each of you for your comments. That's, indeed, high praise Femme, Balladeer, Toe, Suthern, and Marge. There was much behind this piece...and Suthern, you don't have to 'splain anything. Thank you also Denise and FreeByrd, I am glad you found this piece enjoyable. Michael |
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caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
Completely, totally, absolutely awesome. Standing ovation for this one, Michael. It rocks. ------------------ Time's fun when you're having flies~~Kermit the Frog |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
What is there to say about such an awe inspiring piece Michael. This is the epitome of man. The darkness showing through in rays of lightened hope. Amazing is too mellow a word to apply to this thought provoking work of art, but shall have to suffice for lack of a better description. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You certainly are good, my friend...  |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Your way with words is masterful. The thoughts and feelings this poem evokes cannot be described within these small replies. Incredible, Michael. The poem and you! |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Michael this was just how was that? Mind Blowing! I ditto Balladeer when he says to think them and then right them down how you did is an awesome thing! I know how difficult it can be to get those thoughts to come across. (Though I'm sure we all can) All I can say is you've done an AWESOME job with this! |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Interesting thoughts, interesting read, interesting poet Elizabeth |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Michael, WOW!! This is definately mind blowing and superb, an Excellent piece !! ------------------ What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
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mc Member
since 1999-11-16
Posts 67México |
We're all freaks once we start looking at ourselves from the inside... I wish I could express myself better but english is not my native language... I loved your poem and the message in itself is powerful!!!! |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Michael: If only everyone could see the heart and not the packaging.. HUSG ------------------ There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it... |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wonderful read Michael. It rings true |
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Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
Michael, what a wonderful read!! You didn't see me at the freak show did you? So thought provoking........................ ------------------ The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there IS to celebrate. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Enjoyed and related to this poem tremendously! Okay, now I feel compelled to dig up my Circus poem, a recurring nightmare since childhood! Corinne |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Michael, You may see yourself belonging in that freak show, but I don't think any of those people could write a poem quite as brilliant as you did here my friend. |
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