AWARDS: HSA Gary Gay Rengay Contest, 2023

Matinee
        Billie Dee and Richard L. Matta

circus parade
the ballerina rides
an old elephant

stale peanuts
swirl of a juggler's flames

        slack
            in the safety net
            empty trapeze

        breathing life
                           into a swan—
                                   the balloon man

sideshow barker
the rattle of pocket change

his face-paint smile
from behind her ear
an Anthony dollar


Honorable Mention (Judges: Marcyn Del Clements, Seren Fargo)

Frogpond 46.3, Autumn 2023