In the crazed circus of my consciousness
the clowns slice smiles around children’s necks
laughing as they weep bloody tears
Tightrope walkers take final falls without nets
only to bounce back to their places
heads smashed like rotten pumpkins

The strongman’s bones snap midway through the act
and the elephants come crashing down to finish him off
their flapping ears catching every last whimper
burning the pitiful moments into their unending memories
Guilt bringing madness to shame

Fire reflects in the eyes of audience
burning so hot the seats catch
and everyone dances as smoke rises
suffocating every member
They fall, blacken and burn
until there is nothing left
except the ringleader
taking his never-ending bow