The Show

Patient to the point of precision

She applies her lipstick.

For the enjoyment of others

or confidence in herself,

I have no place to determine.

Her dress abounding

with far too many polka dots

hangs loose on her frame.

Joining the circus was never part of the plan.

Face paint reminiscent of polished pearls

quickly overtakes her freckled complexion.

In a few hours,

her natural beauty will return.

Until then,

the show must go on.

Michael Carney