Chaos Under Canvas

the big top, dingy and weathered, sits in the clearing
carnies dart in and out repairing rotting poles and shredded canvas
angry animals shriek in the distance as the circus band plays out of tune
a deranged ringmaster welcomes you with open arms and yellow teeth
motioning you to the pitted and splintered bleachers
iron jaw aerial performers spin round on blood caked mouths
candy butchers sell their stale confections to hungry onlookers
emaciated costumed elephants lead the grand march
bally girls dance with feather boas hiding scarred faces and torn costumes
performers and animals of all kinds follow in procession
moods dark, bodies crumbled, caged animals claw and hiss
all the while the band played
and the barkers barked
and the clowns rambled 'round the crowds
the circus is in town
chaos abounds