A Day At The Circus

The Ring Mistress

cracked her whip.

Puffing out her crimson chest,

and with a sweep

of her turquoise tail,

she let out a shrill whistle.


The lion holding back

a small shame of primates

with a chair

was so skilful.

I couldn't believe it

when he put his paw

in the beast's mouth.

They are so well trained.


The troupe

of health and safety inspectors

were very entertaining.

Jumbo sat patiently

on one of them

while another lectured him

on the avoidance of hazards.

The circus is so much more fun

with them.


Clowns were wonderful.

The best part was when

they walked on hind legs

and had a tea party.

Traditional characters

are timeless aren't they?

The vicar and those

blue haired ladies

farting and jabbering,

are such fun.


The main act was

the trapeze.

Definitely the best

anty climax ever.

They balanced huge leaves

above their heads

and walked on a wire

at the same time.

Fantastic.


All over!

Come on kids.

Back to the aviary.


 

A Good Age


Birth was unexceptional

although exotic.

Happening as it did

in the Far East.


An exuberant early life

attracted many glances

and some comments.

Stripped off

in a few interesting places.


But then greying,

wrinkled, sagging.

Nothing more these days

than a bit of gardening

and occasional walk

to the shops.


Now though,

blotched and fading,

it is the end.

Twenty one.

Good age for a tee shirt.


A Right Charlie


Dear Christopher,

your dome is lovely.

How proud I'd be

to be Saint Paul.

Now could you just

fix this carbuncle

and make it fit

for us to use.

Some carvings and

great ornate windows,

topped with

gorgeous curlicues,

should turn this ghastly

glass and concrete

into a resplendent mews.

A final point,

please make it Princely

with feathered crests

of whitest hues.