Carnival

there is a hidden carnival
deep down in the woods
and if you want to go there
then you have to have misunderstood
the directions as they were given
because only once your lost and alone
do you hear a certain rhythm
from the strong man’s saxophone
and people tend to only make this journey
in the dead of night by light of the stars
there’s no need for you to hurry
because the camp is never far
and once you stumble upon that clearing
and are greeting by the fire’s light
do the freaks all stand and cheer
happy you have come to join them on this night
the midget takes your hand
and leads you to a chair
the tightrope walker comes right up
and pats you on the hair
the bearded lady smiles the biggest grin
and asks by what name you are called
when you hear her you cant help but notice
her deep and southern drawl.
So you introduce yourself as you are known
and they listen with great intent
“bah, that’s not good enough”
“for a new name to us you were sent”
you think the comment a little strange
but then they begin to dance
you forget the conversation entirely
held in their carnie trance
you laugh and cry and reach for the sky
you hear their stories
you wipe your eyes
you open up
more than you ever have before
you tell them of the “incident” when you were four
by the end of the night
you know them all by name
Jax, Jaime, Fyren, and Krane
Nicolai, Myren, Orna, Joan
you feel with them you could never be alone
they all have become your friends
but just before it’s time to leave
they once again take you by the hand
“don’t forget us please”
“don’t forget this place”
“remember you belong”
“to this race”
“now it’s time for a name don’t you agree?”
all the carnies smiled then thought
“hmm..let’s see lets see”
they thought real deep
and looked you up and down
they recalled the stories
you’d told them by now
and with a big deep collective breath
they shouted your new name in all its best
and it was perfect
so just remember when you’re looking for the freaks
for the carnival that does lie deep
into the woods away from prying eyes
you have to get lost to find the prize
for these freaks are not freaks at all
just ordinary people living
having a ball
you walk away completely different
and never quite the same
they tell you to keep secret
your new fitting name
there is a hidden carnival
down in the woods
go find it
– #AlexisEAbbottPoems

Image source: Favim.com