For my act with my trainer

And my partner Eleanor,

The elephant .

I was stretching my wings,

I’m a parakeet, you know,

Just about to fly through

The drawn curtains

When I smelled the smoke,

And the screams started.

In a matter of seconds

The tent was aflame.

The heat was intense

As if we were in an oven.

People were rushing around

Screaming for help

With no intention

To help others,

Trapped like everyone else.

As I gazed around

At the faces

Of panic-stricken people

I spotted a gap in the roof,

Big enough for me to

Fly through.

I knew if I did

I would have to leave my trainer

Whom  I’ve been

So loyal to

And all my friends

Trapped within their cages

Gazing at me

Panic in their eyes.

I wanted to help them.

But how could I?

I was but only a circus bird

Just as helpless as the rest

As I gathered up

My strength

Just about to fly away,

I caught a glimpse of Eleanor

Surrounded by fire .

Goodbye ole friend

I thought in my head

As I flew through

The gap,

Disappearing

Into the smoke .


小M（11岁）
20111009