Clown Car

By: A.C. Cash

Swinging puppets

Hold make-believe

Tambourines;

You are your own

Worst enemy, darling.

Don’t swallow.

Don’t imagine me there.

In a clown car

Waiting to cascade

From a cliff

Like a waterbed renegade.

Don’t wait up

For me.

I’m only dreaming

Of all my friends

Of lost love.

Hanging in the balance

Like a rhinestone millionaire.

Count your blessings,

For they are

The fruit of your truth.

The knowledge

Of the ages.

I have wandered

Through alcoholic pain.

Wondering, childlike.

“When shall my rescuers come?”

I am lonely.

I am starving.

Taken by mystery.

I don’t hate you.

It’s just that I

Travelled here

On this road

Before you.

Rockabye baby.

She won’t be

The one to fall.

Don’t waste a moment

On this distraction.

Sing her a lullaby.

Stalk me gently.

In my waiting room

There is a sign for you.

No fear, Cavalier.

We the people

With all power

Keep your lights on.

If you won’t shine.

It’s on you.

Don’t complain

To your neighbor.

He’ll never listen.

Of that I’m sure.

You are not

Saved.

Nor wrapped

In a metal cocoon

Of your own weird sin.

You’re electricity,

Remember?

Blink

Three times fast.

See me.

Taste me.

Talk to me

Like I’m the priesthood

Of your sordid past.

Come one,

Come all.

Come on now, taster.

Lick freely.

It’s poison.

Hold her tightly.

Nothing lasts forever.

Change is a road

Where maps

Cease existing.

No landmarks.

Only signs.

Do follow them

To a fault.

No religion.

It’s only a fall

From the edge of a cliff.

You and your disdain.

Alone

In a clown car.

Hanging 

In the balance.