dirty rings

silly clown,

retrieve your naked wife

swimming with those war weary soldiers  

off that rocky shore.

gloomy skies water these unmarked graves

but we’ll erect tents in the downpour,

holy temples to innocence and joy.

after the rain

we’ll smear on make-up

adorn our best remaining costumes

parade downtown to invite the city to our show.

they’ll marvel at our antics

laugh at the juggling midget

gasp at the tightrope walk

forget their misery beyond the northern hill

if just for a few minutes.

come clown,

gather your unfaithful bride

so we may begin our work.