Circus

                   Circus
         (1891 painting, Georges Seurat)

Lovers of staged Acrobatics
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A white horse canters at the curve of the ring,
and standing on his back,
is a stunning artiste athlete, her arms raised high,
whip in one hand extended towards the top of the tent.

She wears a pale, floating, soft yellow dress,
glamorous red hair flying from her head,
as they work with gravity, equestrian level head,
balancing this way and that, all in harmony,

Others are performing nearby,
including a twin-prima donna as well,
seen to the left of the fast moving pair.
She's standing in front of the audience;
her gaze will be fixed, as she lands firm on her feet,
and stands to receive boisterous applause.

The ringleaders's whip is flung out to his side,
his face is grease-painted white.
Hair slick, head held high,
he poses dramatically in black
with haughty feline arrogance.

To the front of this scene,
crimson red, and orange light flood
over the head, shoulders and muscled back
of the clown preparing for flight.

Into the painting,
the Circus is glowing and alive,
pointilist, well-drafted, and washed in colours of white,
brushed with inspiration, enchantment and delight.