The Way Of Tyrants
The Way of Tyrants (Tanka)
Red nosed circus clowns
Behind mad grins… hate the laugher
As with dictators
In absurd fantasy uniforms
We hoot only when they fall.
Tyrant in his cave
Resentfully reflects on life
Western big shots came
Ate roasted lambs in his tent
How could he be so gullible?
poem by Oskar Hansen
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Pretty Vision
I saw a vision
Little boy
You covered up your own insights
But I may have held your hand
Or seen the ghost you tried to fight
Oh a vision
Little boy
You strayed down to find the clowns
Oh and when I wrote these lines for you
Not, not one of them was found
Blame the circus and the clowns
Before you blame yourself
Cause when your greatest needs go unforgiven
And your gifts go unreceived
Little boy
Man of need
Who could know that the road would fall
Not me not one of us
That surrounds your golden walls
So now blame the circus and the clowns
Before you blame yourself
Cause all your greatest needs go unforgiven
All your gifts go unreceived
Who could know of the fall
Who could slow the speed
Who could hold your hand
We all laughed and thought you were so free
Vision boy
Man of need
Oh do the monkeys get you down
Oh they promise you the dance of life
Complete with laughters crown
Little boy
Man of need
Did you find the freak show and a crowd
I said cut the canvas on the tent
Oh we were all innocent
Blame the circus and the clowns
Before you blame yourself
When your greatest needs go unforgiven
And your gifts go unreceived
Oh your greatest needs go unforgiven
And your gifts they go unreceived
Little boy
Man of need
song performed by by Indigo Girls
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Send In the Clowns
That's what they do
In a three-ring circus
When something goes wrong
They send in the clowns
It's to distract the audience
From the ring with a problem
Sometimes a net breaks
Sometimes an animal balks
A political example
Of sending in the clowns
Is Ms. Clinton being sent
To the Mideast to broker peace
The resulting cease fire
In a fagile tent
That may catch fire
Then it's back to weasons for hire
poem by Tom J. Mariani
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If Life Was A Circus
If lide was a circus
I'd be your clown,
I'd get on your pony
ride your merry-go-
round.
if life was a circus
under your big tent,
make love with you
forever
we'd be heaven spent.
if life was a circus
in your arena we would
play,
with each other forever
forever, and a day.
but life is not a circus
I am not a clown,
all I can ever do
is watch your merry-go-
round.
poem by Heather Burns
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Un Is Defective
We need a UN international inquiry debate,
Because the UN is likely to cause or expand more hate,
Because dictators and their henchmen want to rule the globe,
And at the UN they can wear an ecclesiastical robe.
There must be an easier way than the UN arrangement,
Turn out the lights, change the rules and cause some rearrangement,
To a new system where hatred and threats are not allowed,
From dictators shouting in their own translated language out loud.
It's as though they make their own UN rules as they move around,
Followed by another group of friends or strange looking clowns,
With no objections because we're so politically correct,
Which is the main reason why the UN has gone into defect.
poem by James Bredin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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American Skin
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots, and we'll take that ride
Across this bloody river to the other side
41 shots, they cut through the night
You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life
Is it a gun?
Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet?
This is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
Ain't no secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in your american skin
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots, lena gets her son ready for school
She says now on these streets charles
You got to understand the rules
Promise me if an officer stops you'll always be polite
Never ever run away and promise mama you'll keep your hands in sight
Cause is it a gun?
Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet?
This is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in your american skin
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
Is it a gun?
Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet?
This is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
41 shots and we'll take that ride
Across this bloody river to the other side
41 shots my boots caked in mud
We're baptized in these waters and in each other's blood
Is it a gun?
Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet?
This is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in
You can get killed just for living in
You can get killed just for living in
Your american skin
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
song performed by by Bruce Springsteen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tyrant
Behold tis I the commander
Whose grip controls you all
Resist me not, surrender
Ill no compassion call
(tyrant) capture of humanity
(tyrant) conqueror of all
(tyrant) hideous destructor
(tyrant) every man shall fall
Your very lives are held within my fingers
I snap them and you cower down in fear
You spineless things who belly down to slither
To the end of the world you follow to be near
(tyrant) capture of humanity
(tyrant) conqueror of all
(tyrant) hideous destructor
(tyrant) every man shall fall
Mourn for us oppressed in fear
Chained and shackled we are bound
Freedom choked in dread we live
Since tyrant was enthroned
I listen not to sympathy
Whilst ruler of this land
Withdraw your feeble aches and moans
Or suffer smite from this my hand
(tyrant) capture of humanity
(tyrant) conqueror of all
(tyrant) hideous destructor
(tyrant) every man shall fall
Mourn for us oppressed in fear
Chained and shackled we are bound
Freedom choked in dread we live
Since tyrant was enthroned
My legions faithful unto death
Ill summon to my court
And as you perish each of you
Shall scream as you are sought
(tyrant) capture of humanity
(tyrant) conqueror of all
(tyrant) hideous destructor
(tyrant) every man shall fall
song performed by by Judas Priest
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Removing The Grease Paint
Removing the grease paint,
From the face of any clown...
And a circus is not what first comes to mind.
Although,
Clowns determined to start their own circus...
Will find a way to do it,
With a more acceptable appearance.
And one dressed in a tailored suit,
Can achieve remarkable success.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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However Absurd
Ears twitch, like a dog, breaking eggs in a dish.
Do not mock me when I say this is not a lie.
Its funny thing, half serious, with our hands on our ears.
Living dreams with mouths ajar, wide awake, we go to sleep.
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
Something special between us, when we mmade love the game was over.
I couldnt say the words, words wouldnt get ny feelings through,
So I keep talking to you...
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
Custom made dinosaurs, too late now, for a change.
Everything is under the sun, but nothing is for keeps...
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
However absurd, however absurd... it may seem.
song performed by by Paul McCartney
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I'm so gullible. I'm so damn gullible. And I am so sick of me being gullible.
quote by Lana Turner
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Circus Of Heaven
The day the circus of heaven came to town
Local folks lined the streets in a midwestern town
Waiting anxiously for the parade to begin all around
On the very last day
A unicorn headed the mystical way
Surrounded by what seemed a thousand golden angels at play
Behind were centaurs, elves, bright fairies all in colours of jade
On the very final day
For what seemed only just a moment in time
Seven solemn flying silvered regal horses rode by
Seven golden chariots in tow, a wonder to behold
The seven lords of the mountains of time
There then arose where nothing really stood there before
A giant tent rising one thousand feet high frofrom the floor
Towns people flocked inside with their eyes all amazed
To greet the seventh lord of the seventh age
A fanfare rang out in an incredible sound
Bringing out the strangest visions perfect harmony round
Any dreams he asked would they like to have seen
From historical or mythical scenes
Then there above their heads just as vivid as life
Each vision transported multitudes inventing light
Grecian galleons, the sack of troy, to the gardens of babylon
A play of millions roared along
The gigantic dreams of alexander the great
Civil wars where fbrothers fought and killed their friendship with hate
All seen by zeus performing scenes in the magical way
The day the circus came to town
Outside great animals as tame as the trees
Angels high in starlight dancing streets
Turning their colours with indigo and gold
Dropping violet, red and emerald snow
As the circus finally changed its invisible course
A new world to be found
On the dreamy ground we walked upon
I turned to my son and said
was that something beautiful, amazing, wonderful, extraordinary
Beautiful?
oh! it was ok!! but there were no clowns, no tigers, lions or bears,
Cand-floss, toffee apples, no clowns.
song performed by by Yes
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Circus Of Heaven
The day the circus of heaven came to town
Local folks lined the streets in a midwestern town
Waiting anxiously for the parade to begin all around
On the very last day
A unicorn headed the mystical way
Surrounded by what seemed a thousand golden angels at play
Behind were centaurs, elves, bright fairies all in colours of jade
On the very final day
For what seemed only just a moment in time
Seven solemn flying silvered regal horses rode by
Seven golden chariots in tow, a wonder to behold
The seven lords of the mountains of time
There then arose where nothing really stood there before
A giant tent rising one thousand feet high frofrom the floor
Towns people flocked inside with their eyes all amazed
To greet the seventh lord of the seventh age
A fanfare rang out in an incredible sound
Bringing out the strangest visions perfect harmony round
Any dreams he asked would they like to have seen
From historical or mythical scenes
Then there above their heads just as vivid as life
Each vision transported multitudes inventing light
Grecian galleons, the sack of troy, to the gardens of babylon
A play of millions roared along
The gigantic dreams of alexander the great
Civil wars where fbrothers fought and killed their friendship with hate
All seen by zeus performing scenes in the magical way
The day the circus came to town
Outside great animals as tame as the trees
Angels high in starlight dancing streets
Turning their colours with indigo and gold
Dropping violet, red and emerald snow
As the circus finally changed its invisible course
A new world to be found
On the dreamy ground we walked upon
I turned to my son and said
was that something beautiful, amazing, wonderful, extraordinary
Beautiful?
oh! it was ok!! but there were no clowns, no tigers, lions or bears,
Cand-floss, toffee apples, no clowns.
song performed by by Yes
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Life Is Just A House And Nothing Else
people say i am a narrow
path. There is no allowance for
a waterway. There is even
no space for birds. No grains
along the way. No flowers.
they add, i am cruel
above all to myself. I give
myself no time for wishes.
No dreams. There is no
horizon for an illusion.
my life is just a house and
nothing else. There is no
backyard, no place for
dogs to play. An extension
could be an office. There is
no other path that leads
to the circus. I hate clowns.
People say i am mad.
I don't mind. I am real.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Wild Billys Circus Story
The machinist climbs his ferris wheel like a brave and the fire-eaters lyin in a pool of sweat victim of the heatwave,
Behind the tent the hired hand tightens his legs on the sword swallowers blade,
Circus towns on the shortwave
Well the runway lies ahead like a great false dawn,
Fat lady, big mama, missy bimbo sits in her chair and yawns,
And the man-beast lies in his cage sniffin popcorn and the midget licks his fingers and suffers missy bimbos scorn
Circus towns been born.
And a press roll drummer go, ballerina to-and-fro cartwheelin up on that tightrope,
With a cannon blast, lightin flash, movin fast through the tent, mars bent,
Hes gonna miss his fall, oh God save the human cannonball.
And the flying zambinis watch marguarita do her neck twist,
And the ringmaster gets the crowd to count along: 95, 96, 97.
A ragged suitcase in his hand, he steals silently away from the circus grounds,
And the highways haunted by the carnival sounds
They dance like a great greasepaint ghost on the wind,
A man in baggy pants, a lonely face, a crazy grin, runnin home to some small ohio town
Jesus, send some sweet women to save all your clowns
And circus boy dances like a monkey on barbed wire, and the barker romances with a junkie, shes got a flat tire,
And now the elephants dance real funky and the band plays like a jungle fire,
Circus towns on the live wire.
And the strong man sampson lifts the midget, little tiny tim, up on his shoulders, way up, and carries him on down the midway past the kids, past the sailors, to his dimly lit trailer,
And the ferris wheel turns and turns like it aint ever gonna stop,
And the circus boss leans over and whispers into the little boys ear, hey son you want to try the big top?
All aboard, nebraskas our next stop.
song performed by by Bruce Springsteen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Ringmaster
It has not been declared as official yet,
Since the tophat is still being passed around.
A couple of the candidates who have adorned it,
Could easily be the ringmaster.
I was there during the auditions.
But only one can truly represent,
That presence under the tent.
With a connection to attract with appeal...
And diversity!
To convince the majority of the people,
That this coming circus is viable and worthy...
Of giving our support with a more focused attention.
And the best ringmaster chosen,
Will ensure the people will do what it takes...
To turn perceptions around.
'I think we are talking about two different things here! '
Oh?
'Yes.
I had asked...
What event do you most look forward to,
Without debate...
That solidifies the way you will be voting.'
What response were you anticipating?
I am a circus fan.
And I always thought it had been the clowns the kids favor.
But no!
It's the ringmaster.
Who knew?
Did you?
'I...uh...
I am a reporter.
On a different news assignment.'
Well...
It's a good thing you didn't ask me,
To give my opinion regarding politics or religion.
I've learned to leave both out of my conversations.
Neither one I could speak about,
With a giving of an expertise.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Send In The Clowns
Isnt it rich? are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air,
Send in the clowns, send in the clowns,
Isnt it bliss? dont you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who cant move,
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns,
Just when Id stopped opening doors,
Finally knowing the one that I wanted,
Was yours,
Making my entrance again with my,
Usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
No one is there,
Dont you love farce?
My fault I fear,
I thought thar youd want what I want,
Sorry my dear,
And where are the clowns?
Quick send in the clowns,
Dont bother, theyre here,
Isnt it rich? isnt it queer?
Losing my timing this late,
In my career,
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns,
(? )
Send in the clowns. (x10),
song performed by by Grace Jones
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Oh I Hate
It sucks how i can still luv u
after all that we been through
through the pain and the joy too
I hate that I still love you
I hate that i still think of you when around other women
I hate that my skin hasnt felt the same without your touch
I hate that my lips refuses to kiss another
I hate my dreams because you visit every night
I hate your smile because it makes me smile
above all I hate those eyes
I hate those eyes cause they say I love you when your
mouth doesn't
I hate those eyes because they see right through me
I hate those eyes for every wink, for every flutter
I hate those eyes for the pain and the love
I can't help it, I'm a hopeless romantic
I'm so tired of fantasy and senseless imagination
I hate myself for craving you, wanting you, loving you still
This is the cost I pay, my bill
The curse of the romantic fantasy, my real
poem by David Robicheaux
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Circus Song
Cotton candy, two for a quarter
See if the fat man can guess your weight
A big stuffed tiger is what I bought her
And I'm going home 'cause it's late
Roller coasters make me dizzy
And cotton candy makes me sick
I wish I had some Bromo fizzy
Now that would do the trick
Everyone knows that the clowns aren't happy
And everyone knows that the people don't care
I wish I could laugh at the way that they're acting
But I'm so sick, I just don't dare to
High wire dancers kick and balance
White silk horses step in time
The tattooed man displays his talents
I'm not the talented kind
I always go to the circus on Sunday
And there I can laugh at the people I see
But when I leave home in the morning on Monday
Everybody laughs at me
I make other people nervous
I guess that's why they laugh at me
But to me my life is a three-ring circus
And I can see it for free
Have you seen my wife Elvira?
She can tame a lion, you know
Well, I once had a bushy mane
But that was so damn long ago
Tight-collared clowns in plastic buildings
Have happy families as their fate
Happy jobs and happy clubs
And happy people they hate
Everyone's juggling and everyone's acting
With smiles of grease paint three feet wide
Everyone's caught on a carousel pony
And one time around is a lifetime ride
song performed by by Don McLean
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I Hate...
I hate,
hate that I can't trust
I hate,
hate that I must lie because they'd rather believe I'm fine.
I hate,
hate who I've been.
I hate,
hate to make decisions.
I hate,
hate that I can't hate those I should.
I hate,
hate my life.
I hate,
hate that I can't die.
I hate,
hate to live in fear and hate.
I hate,
hate my uncertainty.
I hate,
hate the lies people tell me.
I hate,
hate that I believe.
I hate,
hate those that wish their lives were mine.
I hate,
hate all emotion that's mine.
I hate,
hate that I need others.
I hate,
hate my own d*mn incompetence.
I hate,
hate that there's so much to hate.
poem by Dama Tristeza
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Hate That I Hate
I hate the hate that resides in me now
I hate the hate that is so heavy it weighs me down
I hate the hate that keeps my emotions tightly wound
I hate the hate that charges my wall
I hate the hate that lies to strengthen my fall
I hate the hate that has me in chains
I hate the hate that courses through my veins
I hate the hate that is a shadow at my side
I hate the hate that has stolen my mind
I hate the hate that blinds me from the stars
I hate the hate that has created my war
I hate the hate that has stolen my grace
My scarlet letter written all over my face
poem by Adalie Hettie
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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American Skin (41 Shots)
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots
41 shots....
and we'll take that ride
'cross this bloody river
to the other side
41 shots... cut through the night
You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret
It ain't no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin
41 shots
Lena gets her son ready for school
She says "on these streets, Charles
You've got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you
Promise you'll always be polite,
that you'll never ever run away
Promise Mama you'll keep your hands in sight"
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret
It ain't no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it in your heart, is it in your eyes
It ain't no secret
41 shots... and we'll take that ride
'Cross this bloody river
To the other side
41 shots... got my boots caked in this mud
We're baptized in these waters and in each other's blood
Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret
It ain't no secret
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living
In your American skin
song performed by by Bruce Springsteen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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