THE CIRCUS ANIMAL

I am the circus elephant
I'm all dressed up for you
but when alone, I always wear
these chains, just out of view.

I am the circus tiger
A rare sight to behold;
when whips are snapping near my face
it's hard to stay controlled.

I am the elegant circus horse
I prance and trot around
I am a noble creature
I'm not a circus clown.

The saddest choice you humans make
it to keep me chained and bound
you make me dance, you make me prance
a circus ring around.

When I am tired or sad or sick,
you strike and prod with club or stick
I want to run, to play, to roam,
I miss my far, beloved home.

I have no voice you understand,
I cannot make you see
that you should listen with your heart
and simply set me free.

I hear there are some circuses
where only you perform.
I hope that someday soon, perhaps,
they will become the norm.

©Christina Sharik
January 14, 1998