a family of magicians
wear tuxedos
–even the baby–
have squirting flowers
in their coat lapels
and rabbits for pets
mom is the one to get sawn
in two by dad
night after night
though when he is out of town
his understudy puts his hands
to the blade
grampa goes in the woven basket
while gramma drives in swords
one after another
always asking about the salad
was it all right
and where did he put her
social security check
i do the rope trick
climb it every night
and wait for the disassembly
that is bound to repeat
——
Words and Feathers 
I wrote a poem once comparing a father to a lion-tamer, but it came out absurd. This, however, is utterly fantastic. The images and suggestions are powerful, dancing on that crunbling cliff between humour and sadness. Excellent!
Thanks so much. I wasn’t too sure about this piece. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Fabulous!
Thank you!
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Fantastic family circus! Watch out for grandma with her swords. Lol.
She’s got a mean streak even though she looks sweet.
My favorite kind of person.