Inept Acrobat
The announcer booms
the spotlight's on me,
the trapeze looms.
It swings in the tent's breeze,
I step out and smile,
jump out with ease.
I grab for the bar
my fingertips brush
so close . . . so far.
The ground rushes near
my life is a blur
more wonder than fear.
I'm caught by the net.
The crowd is a murmur.
'Alive' is a threat.
I could have died an honourable death
but here i lie, the inept fool,
wishing this was my last breath.
The ringmaster glowers.
The crowd is in shock
as inside, I cower.
His concern's a token
my dignity gone
my spirit is broken.