“All I ever wanted was to offer happiness—

I just never thought it’d be at the expense of my own.”

My smile.

My fake fucking smiles

hiding the blight

while darkness

overshadows light.

Haunting echoes of laughter

spinning off fan blades

and hypnotizing me into nightmares—

Only then do I fall asleep.

I leave the paint on

so, I can sell this bullshit to the mirror

in the morning.

So, I can start my day with lies

and end my day with…

…pointless puddles of pity

no one cares to see—

No one would pay to see.

I paint the floor with tears.

Pollack splattered upon my feet.

I melt like Dali into the floor,

while the stranger in the glass

wonders what his name is

because no one ever asks his real name,

and he’s already forgotten it anyways.

He is just a clown for hire

who puts on a Happy Face for a discount.

The six of us convinced ourselves that the steaming hot shower vapors would sweat away the alcohol which threatened our early morning exams, so we donned towels, rolled a joint, and sprawled ourselves across the bathroom floor’s mosaics.

The party was crashing until Carol (petite and pretty), with one plain white towel wrapping her torso and another her hair, slid her tiny feet down into my cattle boots and, without the merest trace of a smile began a graceful, if jocose “Chopiniana” while the rest of us accompanied her with Squeeze’s, “Black Coffee in Bed.”

The stain on my notebook

Remains all that’s left

Of the memory of late nights

And coffee in bed.

Oh, now she’s gone…

Three boys, three girls. If any of us somehow did not love Carol before that night, we certainly did ever-after.

Who needs lion tamers, or trapeze flights of fancy?

Call them all back, and send in the clowns!

You ever hear the one

About the runaway

Clown car that crashed

Into the Tree of Life

And how everyone

On board survived

To sing the same old song

But in a different tune?

David Burdett

12/27/2021

Under the big top, where laughter reigns and wonder abounds, lies a world of whimsy and enchantment—the realm of clowns and the circus. Step into this kaleidoscope of colors, where vibrant costumes and painted smiles awaken the childlike spirit within us all.

Clowns, the merry jesters of the circus, possess a unique ability to transcend language and connect with audiences on a universal level. With a single honk of a horn or a well-timed pratfall, they elicit cascades of laughter, melting away the worries and troubles of the world. Their exaggerated gestures and exaggerated features serve as mirrors, reflecting our own absurdities and inviting us to embrace the joy of the moment.

Behind the exaggerated makeup and oversized shoes, clowns carry a legacy that stretches back centuries. These jesters have entertained kings and peasants alike, with their antics serving as a testament to the power of humor to unite and uplift. From the classical Pierrot to the mischievous Harlequin, each clown archetype brings a distinct personality and style, enriching the tapestry of the circus.

But the circus is more than just clowns. It is a symphony of sights and sounds, an immersive experience that transports us to a world of enchantment. High above the ring, acrobats defy gravity with breathtaking displays of strength and agility. Troupes of tightrope walkers navigate the thin line between fear and triumph, capturing our hearts with their daring feats.

Beneath the spotlight, the circus ring becomes a stage for captivating performances. Daredevil stunt riders race across the arena, their thundering hooves echoing through the air. Aerial artists soar through the heavens, their graceful movements leaving us breathless with awe. The circus is a celebration of human potential, a testament to the power of practice, discipline, and unwavering passion.

Behind the scenes, a bustling community comes alive. The performers, artisans, and animal trainers work in harmony, creating a spectacle that captivates the senses. Together, they weave a tapestry of wonder and adventure, captivating audiences of all ages.

In the circus, time stands still, and the worries of the outside world fade away. We become children again, wide-eyed and filled with wonder, as we witness the extraordinary unfold before our very eyes. The circus reminds us of the magic that exists in the simplest of moments and invites us to embrace the joy that can be found in the extraordinary and the ordinary alike.

So, embrace the spirit of the clown and the enchantment of the circus. Let laughter be your guide and wonder your compass as you step into this world where dreams take flight and imagination knows no bounds. Honk honk!

I listen to discordant tones

under a technicolor sky.

A bird whistles inside.

A hush falls

as does the tent.

I wonder why?