Yesterday, my veranda windows
were flung wide open, I watched
the carnival go by: glitters
from sequined costumes pleased
my eyes so - and they danced
with child-clowns.
Melba was queen again, looking
as beautiful as ever, dressed

in virginal-white, what an actress!
The convoy of floats
spanned the street's length, moved
across the scenic background
like a caterpillar
against an early autumn-leaf.

Today, a drizzly mist has invaded
the setting, the Technicolor movie
has turned black and white; but
the clowns still play along the street
and Melba scurries past in a hooded
mackintosh, taking enough time

to glance up and smile, I smile back -
remembering how we used that mac
as a groundsheet.

~Esmond~

 

Copyright Esmond Jones 2000

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