And after our reunion, Alice wrote this wonderful ditty:
Summer Circus reunion of 2012
Kick starting the day with fresh perky coffee and tea
chef’s breakfast for circus members gathering.
Some puffing billows of herbal smoke, twirling up
among branches of century old redwoods,
blending oak and laurel fragrances.
Soft floating veils of mist tingling peaceful faces.
Uncontrolled laughter bursts through the day.
Folks recalling legendary tails of the Great Circus Famine
which was endured then, but proudly perceived now.
$8. a day for 25 members. Their cook’s heroic efforts to feed
and save the day for the SHOW MUST GO ON.
Maybe the hunger and fasting from early Circus days
has resulted in abundant feasting during this reunion.
Circus memories fly out freely and swiftly overlapping
another tale, often spiced with witty adlibs and puns galore,
followed by loud laughing red faces
Tales spinning uncensored.
Then comes down time to catch a breath and get personal
and reacquainted, filling in the space between then & now.
Exposing themselves in a family way,
weaving the bonds between each other.
Watching the night fall softly as blond fluffy hills dim
and a back drop of old growth forest encloses
the camp, which is being lit up by a blazing bon fire.
Molten gold flames slither and dance in pagan frenzy
around red glowing black crusted logs,
bursting sparks of bright confetti up into black space.
Circus gypsies sipping fine wine, sitting around
the radiating warmth of glowing smiling faces.
Hilarious true tales spinning out in all directions
sending continuous howls of laughter and squeals,
over the hill, causing the two old horses ears to perk up.
So much joy in this spontaneous open theater
Love vibes spring forth like pin balls lighting up hearts.
The fire calms down… then one by one and two by two
the circus disappears into their tents.
Midnight silence stills the peaceful cool air
Until a gang of raccoons, led by the biggest bully,
making the rounds, and fearlessly checking out tents,
while searching for scraps and stealing a magic wand.
While sleepy dreamers awaken into another dream.
from Alice.. Peace & Love