Poem: Circus

the circus is gone
all that is left is us clowns
with painted on smiles

Poem: Leaving the Circus

I’m the one one who twirls
To stumble down to the ground
At your feet in ballerina shoes
Where you dance circles around me
With perfectly choreographed grace

Short Story: Fool for Love

Marching on the stage with a tumble and bow, springing to his feet with a smile, Taddeo revels in their cheers.

At least that’s the image he wants to sell to the gathered court. He sings for his supper and his hijinks keep him alive. No one in the crowd recognizes the previously wealthy business man Tonio behind the caked on make-up.

A merchant of the town, selling fine fabrics and rich silks, that royalty from the world around came to see. Each one he addressed with respect and professional distance until he met her—Princess Nedda.

Speechless, he bowed to her and kissed her hand even knowing it was forbidden. Even knowing the prince’s jealousy of his beautiful wife.