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Circus

They’ve gone and pulled the big top down,

ripped the stakes up from the ground.

The children cry, and the moon is on

the circus that becomes this town.

Searching for a painted face.

Tonight I’ll turn this funny place upside-down.

I’m combing my city for a clown.

The bearded lady cries tonight

on tender knees by bathroom light.

She’s thinking about a promise made

to a mirror and a razor blade.

The fire breather’s buying shots

for college girls whom he should not.

They smile and laugh at every joke,

but he knows they’re just blowing smoke.

The lion tamer cracks his whip

hard against a stranger’s hip.

He hides the truth he’s never kissed

a lioness or a masochist.

© Audsongs 2014

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