ART IS THE SPARK: My daughter, Jessica McCallum has asked me to write Ekphrastic poems to present with her art for exhibitions. This one is from her “All The Pretty Ones Are…” exhibit at the New Perth Theatre Centre in 2011.
ROLL UP! ROLL UP!
Your forced false smile
painted in a permanent
good vibe leer.
Green razorback frown
masks surprise reactions
concealed by white gloves
speaking in blurred speed.
A movement of hearts
masquerading as a gentle
man – lover – seducer.
Crack the whip! Circle
the horses. Let the monkeys
laugh and play with careless
disarray around this heart;
broken, wounded, fallen
from the high wire,
grip gone, hands open
in mute surrender.
Life’s leotards out
of fashion waiting
for a new design,
performance. I tip
my hat to all who stride
into the ring, willingly
take a chance on love.
Open their hearts to a circus
performance… Watch
out for the Ring Master!
He can reach a hand inside
your chest and squeeze…
Frances Macaulay Forde © 2011
