The Circus Life Poem by Joe Fraccalvieri

Take me away from living day to day.
The circus life, for me, was meant--
not this life of mediocrity-- of slow decay,
though heaven-sent

Forget about work-- let me laugh-- let me play,
let me live among souls upon which I can prey,
where my spirit runs free-- rules to be bent--
there's never a fee-- not a cent becomes spent

Yes! -- I had thought to do so much
beside the big-top tent...
Blue canvas held with ropes and poles
my talents in place of rent

I'd spit flames of fire from between my lips--
Shoot sparks from outstretched fingertips
Maybe I might offer a simple game of chance--
Or play a tune upon a flute-- Some melancholy melody
that would make a cobra dance

Perhaps a card trick-- Some sleight-of-hand
to treat them on this date...
A juggling act-- Or one-man band
to greet them at the gate

In side-shows seen at local fairs
of every male who can prove he's best
I'd pin a medal on each chest of hairs
with each passing test, as I peddle my wares

I could gaze into a crystal, to tell somebody's fate
Or should I raise them up from death
to shake their very faith? ...
Dangle fortune before their eyes,
that they may take the bait...
Conjure signs upon the skies to concentrate their hate!

And I would sway some souls my way
that I may finally take
away with me and misery-- into the fiery lake
For though I never worked for pay, you just might say
that I did it for heaven's sake