As a child, I was more afraid of the circus than I was amused... I would like to find out how many other people felt scared of the first "Big Top - enjoy.

On my way to the 'Big Top,'
My first at age five
We stopped, we started,
Just wanting to arrive
Stumbling and grumbling
Trying to find our seats
Big people, little people,
Too crowded and too many to greet

Here they come,
Everyone in their glory
Each busy circle telling a story
Too many of them to notice
Or even to study, so
I turn left and there they are
Men holding the high wire steady

The clown's busy sneezing, making children laugh
Sparkles, makeup, fancy ladies with red hats
Lions and tigers, no one knows I'm scared
Giant elephants, trainers, and silky black mares

We're here for excitement and entertainment
Cotton candy, popcorn, oh look!
There's fireworks in the evening
Jeko the Clown looks straight in my eyes
Fooling him, I'm smarter, looking up to blue skies

Children are laughing and eating snow cones
Watchful parents taking snapshots for home
Ringleaders, snapping whips, and even monkeys,
Dancers and singers, and the trapeze

The 'Big Top' has every animal
Every one except maybe cows
For miles around you can hear them
Speak of the risky acrobats taking bows

On the way home,
Everyone relives favorite sights
Still I'm worried
How I'll sleep tonight

Clown Jeko's eyes, they follow me,
This way, then that way…
Then all the way to my dreams
Maybe my Mommy will hear me
When I let out my screams

Instead, I remember the struggles
Of watching Clown Jeko, the crazy juggler
You know what?
Next year when I'm asked,
"Do you want to go to the 'Big Top?"
Surely, my answer will be "Maybe not."

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