Poetry as carnival.

The Carnival of Poetry

In the carnival of poetry
cars full of poets
change clothes with the clowns
spill out from the tent
parade down the midway
as barkers dance
with the bearded lady
and the calliope plays
the Carousel Waltz
while Merry Go Rounds
give free rides to kids
who carry their poems as tickets.

In the carnival of poetry
bards read verse
from the Ferris Wheel
a different language
from each gondola.

In the carnival of poetry
children play spinna winna
emboss their verse on toonie coins
shoot them high in the air
watch them fall in a pile of tokens
then trade up for larger prizes.

In the carnival of poetry
mirrors distort lies to truths
blocked writers fall down in laughter
and toddlers babble in iambs.

In the carnival of poetry
spinsters fish frogs from ponds
kiss them and turn into princesses.

In the carnival of poetry
the clowns take over Town Square
toss keys to the city from
free balloon rides
and declare locked doors illegal.