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.

