red balloon

as i sat beneath the circus tent
my eyes distant from the clowns, elephants and you.
all attention focussed on a single red balloon which had
just escaped the sticky grasp of a child.

effortlessly it drifted
just missing a teased up-do of high society
in a moment's time
it rose above the crushed popcorn, sawdust and chatter
music, applause and barking dogs on hind legs.

closing my eyes
i saw myself
slowly disappearing
never to see you grind your teeth,
stub out your cigarette
or make that disapproving face.

i'm almost free, i'm almost free

startling cries of a child
reaching for the red balloon.
threw me back beside you
and your mouth stuffed full
of blue cotton candy.