nonce sonnet with envelope refrain in the octave
Welcome to Circus Street City of Clowns,
where only small children govern the town;
Snakes . marbles . slithering swords
sink down shiny red innocent throats
of fire blown mouths and r-rated jokes
while one-legged gents tip pennies to whores.
Beneath blue tents hiding the rounds
lie joyous traditions of being a Clown.
Tiger tamers . tricked four-eyed freaks
guard miles of walls to keep out the peeps
of Toms . Nancys . adults who fear
their child's been stolen for sex shows and beer.
Lions and little girls laugh in their sleep,
at all misconceptions of Circus Street creeps
(back when)