The Graveyard of Circuses

Where old carnivales go to die
And skeletons in red coat and top hat
Cry out the novelties with the wind's old voice.

Where clowns display the whiteface
Of the skull, and the sequin scales are shed
From tattered costumes which the mermaids wore.

Where entertainments fail to breach the sky
And on the pearly gates, the notice declares that
Only the worthy, and the saved have made their choice.

Where others have sought joys of earthly grace
And willingly walked with the monsterous dead,
Who come not ever to the golden shore.