Carnival summer —

balloon animals bob under a neon pool.

Water ripples like a hall of mirrors:

light blue in sunlight’s fever

or indigo under a crescent moon.

Carnival summer —

strike a strong man pose,

be dazzled by a disappearing rose,

and learn to laugh while you juggle.

Strap into the scrambler, but be prepared

to bump against one another.

Carnival summer —

a human cannonball shot loose,

wait on the edge of your airplane seat,

tray in the locked and upright position

for god or the stewardess to mime you a clue.

©2023 | K.F. Hartless


Artwork: Meg Bell

10 responses to “Carnival Summer”

  1. Thanks for sharing your words. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for reading them, Anita. Happy summer to you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. And Happy summer to you. Anita

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Tom Avatar

    Wonderful vibrant imagery, K! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tom. I went night swimming yesterday, and I had forgotten how different it is to be in the pool after dark.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Love the title of this gorgeous poem! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Layla. We had a movie at the pool and I had some fragments in my journal. I’d like to hammer more on this idea. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  4. A wonderful poem, and I adore Harry Styles!

    Like

  5. Lovely painting and writing! 🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I appreciate your comment very much. 💜

      Like

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