Author's Note: This poem is something I had to write for an assignment. I don't write poetry, even if I used to. But this (as well as "Ballerina Shoes") are my two favorites.

The circus is in town.
Role call!
Summon the freak sideshow of the night
for it's the one known as the Rainbow Clown.

Can Can melodies blare the speakers
as the clown is shoved on to center stage.
Wild rainbow colored hair,
lanky body in oversized clothing,
and a huge, swelling pimple
that substituted for a clown nose.
"Dance! Dance!" they would all yell.
Rainbow Clown would open the blown out umbrella
and dance to the melody
in shoes three sizes too big.
Every fifth note, Rainbow Clown would trip and fall
while giving the audience joy.

Several upped the ante,
throwing cups of lemonade.
Rainbow Clown tried to run
but the sour juice landed in Rainbow Clown's eyes.
"Nailed the Bozo!"
One of the men yelled
while everyone else experienced
the joys of schadenfreude,
taking in the pleasure from someone's pain.

The world, to Rainbow Clown,
does not take too kindly
on sideshow freaks, the unpretty.
Tomorrow, and the day after,
and all over the world,
bound by the promises of food, money, and shelter,
from the ringmaster,
Rainbow Clown,
star feature on the sideshow attraction,
will stand on center stage.
Performing as always
to those who want to see.