The circus will perform
tonight
in a bleak and distant land.
They brought with them
monsters and warrior kings
stunning queens and wild beasts
and lorryloads full of dreams.
For the people's entertainment
they proclaim a show
that will shock, amaze and thrill.
A youth watches lost in dreams.
Spellbound, he resolves to run away
to a life of danger and daring feats—
the fearless star of the high trapeze.
But when morning comes, his will
weakens and his dreams wilt.
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A Coming-of-Age Poem and the Fragility of Imagination
Within the sombre embrace of a desolate town, rejected and abandoned by both gods and demons, the verses of the coming-of-age poem "The Circus," crafted by the pen of Cyprus poet Chris Zachariou, come alive. A vivid tapestry of coming-of-age unfolds against a backdrop of shattered dreams and forgotten hopes.
"The Circus" emerges as a resplendent realm of dreams and enchantment, like a secret oasis in a barren wasteland. It arrives in the town with trucks filled to the brim with fantasies, creatures of myth, and majestic beasts. Kings and queens, princes and princesses adorn this grand spectacle, captivating the hearts of all who bear witness.
Amidst the audience, a young man stands bewitched by the allure of "The Circus." Lost in reverie, the vibrant imagery fuels his imagination, and he envisions himself as the brightest star in the trapeze act, a daring and celebrated acrobat defying gravity with each graceful leap. His aspirations, once tethered to the mundane reality of the town, soar high in the realms of possibility.
Drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of the circus, the young dreamer contemplates an audacious escape, a leap into the unknown where his fantasies can intertwine with reality. The circus whispers a promise of freedom, adventure, and limitless potential. It becomes a sanctuary where he believes he can discover his identity, away from the confines of the mundane existence that surrounds him.
However, as the first rays of morning light pierce through the horizon, illuminating the town with its harsh reality, the young man's resolve wavers. The dreams that once burned brightly within him begin to dim, fading into the pale light of day. The weight of uncertainty and the fear of the unknown bear heavily upon his fragile spirit, overshadowing the allure that once beckoned him.
"The Circus" becomes a metaphor for the fragility of dreams and the ephemeral nature of youth. It explores the transformative power of imagination, the clash between desire and reality, and the sacrifices one must make to navigate the tumultuous journey of self-discovery. "The Circus" invites us to ponder the choices we face, the allure of escapism, and the delicate balance between chasing our dreams and confronting the limitations of our circumstances. It is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys occur within the confines of our own minds.
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