Step Right Up
I heard the barker starting up … I listened to his spiel …
"Just step right up!" He yelled to all, with vigor and appeal;
"Yes, step right up!" He yelled again, "Come see it - One and all!"
"The most amazing site you'll ever see! Come one - Come all!"
"It's just beyond the curtain! It's a freak of human kind!"
"A spectacle, the likes of which will simply blow you mind!"
"It walks, it talks - just feast your eyes, and listen to it speak."
"You'll laugh until you cry … you'll be the first to see this freak!"
"So hurry! Hurry! Gather 'round - Just moments left to go!"
"Now don't miss out, I promise you - you'll love this little show!"
"So step up folks, it's filling fast. It only costs a dime!"
"Lets come on now, and don't be shy ... just get yourself in line!"
The drone of people's voices seemed to fill the tiny tent,
Anticipation rising, waiting for the grand event!
I sensed the house-lights dim, a hush then fell upon the crowd,
When all at once, the barkers voice, began again, aloud …
"You're here my friends, to witness such a rare phenomenon,"
"A marvel in the truest sense … let's get this curtain drawn!"
The dark red drape began to move, a stillness filled the night,
I squinted as the spotlight glared … and felt a tinge of fright.
I raised my hand to shield my eyes, the audience jumped back,
I moved toward the beam of light, as hoards of people gasped;
I banged into the wall of glass, and felt across the pane,
A box encircled all of me … escape would be in vain.
My eyes adjusted to the light, the barker yelled, "Sit down!"
I stumbled back into my chair, with people all around;
"Just feast your eyes," I heard him say, "This creature is quite rare."
"The greatest show on earth," he said, "Is right before you here."
He asked me several questions, and I answered each in truth,
It felt like an interrogation, here within this booth;
Each time I spoke, the crowd leaned in as if they couldn't hear,
I saw their shock, then gales of laughter quickly filled the air.
The audience became unglued, hysteria ensued,
They pointed, gawked and jeered at me … they hissed and laughed, and booed;
I felt my heart just tear in two, I crumbled to the floor …
I would not give them satisfaction, so replied no more.
The curtain then was drawn across the stage from where I lay,
I heard the people laughing as they turned and walked away;
I mustered up my strength, and waited for the second wave,
I whispered, "Don't give up," and then I hung my head and prayed.
I heard the barker starting up … I listened to his spiel …
"Just step right up!" He yelled to all, with vigor and appeal;
"An optimist! You heard me right … we have one on display!"
"Come ladies, children, gentlemen ... Step up and don't delay!"
"A spectacle in your backyard, she's quite a bit deranged!"
"Come see this freak of nature ... who believes the world can change!"