[circus]

you paid the entry but what’s the price?

societal stagnation,
superficial satisfaction.
shhh.

phobos, eleos – i shudder, i gasp.
cathartic chains bind my hands.

politicised performance, illusionist imaginings.
does aristotelian theatre imply totalitarian play?

catharsis and descartes,
the free man puts himself in chains.

all senses overloaded,
brain's being bloodboarded.

enraged,
so i know you are capable.
misplaced,
but don’t you know who’s culpable?

you cry, you scream, goosebumps.
and then?
peaceful sleep for you,
the easily appeased.
please.

extract my bone marrow,
inject this hot air.
i’m suddenly so light,
amidst all this despair.
thank you.

drained of humanity,
purified.

please.
transfixed on screens,
invested in cups of blood.
thank you.

eyes on the playing field,
you are so oblivious
to the game playing around you.

eyes on the fouls,
while you yourself are
dealt like a card.
a playing deck of jokers
turned gluttonous royalty.
please.
immobility – the price of your comfort.
thank you.

chained by the very circus we
chose to visit.
you paid the entry, but
the price is another.

distorted mirrors,
endless rows of clowns.

someone drowns.

lines blurring, am i watching
the play or becoming the
puppet?

enmeshed with entertainment,
life’s just a performance for you.

drown this out, too.

please,
thank you.

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