Empty handed

I reach, stretching

for that elusive brass ring,

holding what I believe is my dream

 

Sitting there beyond the giraffe and the zebra,

shining for those smiling,

holding it in their hands

 

I watch, still stretching

as the glow beckons from their fingers,

small shavings of light

 

Teasing me as I go around

again and again, stuck to cotton candy remnants

on a popcorn strewn saddle

 

Snickering, giggling

little children with plastic daisies

in their hair find humor in my desperation

 

Hearing in motioned questions,

the happy music blaring from neon mirrors

reflecting this fading image

 

Spinning slower,

the rabbit no longer moves up and down

as laughter replaces the calliope melodies

 

I exit, empty handed

looking back at the big smiling clown,

waving goodbye, realizing it is just a sign of things not to come

Reviews

[Cassie]

I smile when I see your poetry, this is review is overdue, I enjoyed reading this and I can read the emotions in between the lines.

[willweb]

Thank you so much Cassie for these nice words today. I am thrilled you liked this one.

[Ashira Macy]

A circus is what came to mind in this, and perhaps a trapeze artist trying but failing to catch the ring in midair. By the end, I also got the feeling of a merry-go-round though. Either way, it was a very emotionally packed piece, one that I enjoyed a lot.

[willweb]

Thanks so much Ashira. It was written to allow the reader to come up with their own conclusions. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one.

[Ruth]

Such desperate thoughts here with brilliantly woven imagery...your poetry is wonderfully visual, places the reader inside of it x

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Poppy.

[TL Boehm]

poignant, bittersweet. Though it was smart of you to juxtapose something so innocent, childlike against the thought of adult goals/dreams.
Teasing me as I go around
again and again, stuck to cotton candy remnants
on a popcorn strewn saddle

Snickering, giggling
little children with plastic daisies
in their hair find humor in my desperation

those two verses really hit home for me.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Tammy

[Einstein Noodle]

willweb! you are very good at what you do .. i am pretty sure you sell yourself short .. but this is a piece to send off to be published .. really! into my library it goes .. thanks for sharing this so relatable down time .. perfect just the way it is says i!
E.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much E.

[yuki]

nice your really good at this time of writing :)

[willweb]

Thank you Yuki for taking the time to read and leave such a nice review.

[Lyn Anderson]

For me this is about wanting and needing and feeling like you are not getting, not achieving -- frustration juxtaposed against the happy childhood images gives the poem emotional power.

[willweb]

I think you got it. Thanks so much KLGoode. I am happy this one had an impact on you.

[Lyn Anderson]

I don't like that you've closed up shop, but glad you peeked in.

[Frieda P]

Oh you made me dizzy Will, sometimes life feels this way, no doubt about it. Love 'cotton candy remnants' & 'calliope melodies' perfect!

[willweb]

Thank you Frieda P. I am thrilled you enjoyed this ride today.

[Frieda P]

Was my pleasure, I took the ride twice....

[R Smith]

stuck on the merry go round of life huh Wil I bet the clown stole your happiness, bad buggers they are, great poem, bravo :)

[willweb]

You know those damn clowns Richard. Thanks so much.

[R Smith]

just think Stephen King....'IT'.....say no more :)