Circus

Teetering on galloping stallions

unfettered on flying trapeze,

girlish fantasies rock

caught helpless by a first kiss

cannon-shot into wagon

of magic tricks to disguise

breasts too small, waistline unacceptably

thick, teeth uneven

reflected in distorted mirrors.

Circus cars roll lolling familiar hum

passive, passive, passive,

deaf to screeches at stops and turns

three-ring show returns regularly

less noticed savvy seal

balances the ball.