Monday 22 March 2010

The Man upon the Wire

The kids are so excited that they're jumping up and down
They're watching through the window as the circus comes to town
There's painted rides and super slides and animals galore
I hope it doesn't happen like it happened once before

Our Jimmy went to see it all a year or two ago
It dazzled him so much, he went to each and every show
He fell in love with "Esmeralda, Prophetess of Fire"
So Jimmy went away to be the Man upon the Wire

Our Jimmy joined the circus in the winking of an eye
He packed a little suitcase and he kissed us all goodbye
He said he had to do it, and we really mustn't grieve
Then off he went to frolic in the land of make-believe

He sent us all a card or letter every now and then
So no one ever doubted we'd be seeing him again
The little ones are proud of him, they're Jimmy's greatest fans
We're looking out for Jimmy now, among the caravans

Well...
It isn't quite as glamorous as how it ought to be
He's mucking out the elephants and brewing up the tea
But he's never looked so happy and he never seems to tire
I'm glad he didn't get to be the Man upon the Wire.

Will Hames
March 2010

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is a personal favorite, it brought back memories from my childhood. Thought I would share a quick one with you.

I remember when I was young and the circus was in town,
begging my mom to take me
while jumping up and down.

She would look at me and sigh
for she knew that money was tight,
and that somehow she would have to tell me...
"Sorry sweetie, not tonight"

I would see the disappointment in her face and instantly I knew
there was no need for explainations
or the need to follow through.

With a gentle hug from MOM and a kiss upon my head
she would take my hand in hers
and tuck me into bed.

I would slowly drift towards sleep with MOM humming in my ear, remembering her final words...
"Maybe we can go next year"

Wanda Langham (: