A Poem in July

I’m ready for the breeze
between the balding trees,
as the crickets chirp a melody
of softly fallen leaves.

I’m dreaming of the smells
of fresh baked pumpkin pie
next to Yankee candles burning
as a quilt warms my feet and I.

I’m yearning for the sweatshirts
to keep me warm outside,
as I stroll down a leafy lane,
changing each windy tide.

I want the orange atmosphere
that makes everything smell like fire
burning in the chimney
that warms those who’ve tired.

I wish for the painted sunset
that soars across the sky,
and yellowed fields swaying
to the wild bird’s lullaby.

I’m ready for the Fall
That chilly Autumn brings.
Of the kinder sun that warms you
Instead of summer when it stings.

Friday Night

Clowns with painted faces
Laugh with their high pitched voices,
As droopy-eyed Jackals explore
Dark spaces with their prying hands.
The night is young but it will grow old fast
As the hungry come out for the night.

Fireworks boom through speakers as
Potion hoists up a red-yellow tent.
The volunteers pour in with high expectations
and before long discover
they’ve entered The Circus of Superficiality.

Card games play tricks introduced by
crafty magicians who shuffle out
headaches and laughs.
They wink to the right at hiccuping girls
who hardly keep their balancing acts.

The mixing of species starts to descend
as the clock hand passes champagne.
The music surrounds our festival town
And soon comes the start of the game
Of who can keep their wits about them.

Psychics tell secrets in shady bathrooms
To females with stenciled on smiles.
The musician strums his guitar while
singing a heart’s ballad of faith and trust,
smirking as he successfully hypnotizes
tomorrow’s misfortune.

The Ugliest Woman gets a makeover of
whiskey and rum, as the lions
come out for the night.
Couples disappear through holes in the wall
as illusion takes over their sight.

As stars go to bed the freak show goes on
But the Elephant stands in the corner.
He's alone in the room and grows bored of the scene
So he finally gathers his trunk and
returns to his natural habitat.

Sun comes to close the chaotic campaign
and the audience leaves in a trace.
They return to their beds to wake
with beating heads before they come back
tomorrow for the big finale.