Jennifer Pickering

Bright lights,

blur my vision,

blending into a symphony of chaos in front of my eyes.

I was naïve to think I would find solace here.

As oranges and yellows blister the sky,

ricocheting my ears,

drumming a concoction of clashing vibrations through the ground.

This is not my home,

and it leaves me stranded.

I had hoped for salvation,

and found anything but.

An ocean of pain rips through me,

as the current pulls me deeper.

I look around me and hear laughter,

forced from the lips of the damned.

In the ring,

a whip cracks,

and the audience erupt into pain cries,

as I am forced into the centre.

To balance on the edge of uncertainty,

no net to break my fall.

I try desperately to make sense of the sea of faces,

cackling at me or with me,

who knows.

They distort.

Each face becomes painted,

smiles forced on,

red noses placed.

An afro adorned.

Looking in the mirror,

I realise I finally belong.

I am a clown in disguise.

Bowing to the audience,

I lap up my prize,

and cheer,

“Welcome to the circus,

where everyone lies!”

• Jen Pickering

I couldn’t think of something to write so I asked my friends for words to incorporate! Those words were: “Circus Ocean Afro Naive Orange Yellow” and I personally think I did quite well!

Love Jen x