I am a trained, dancing bear.
The ringmaster treats me well.
Watch me ride a scooter,
and balance on a ball.
I am the star attraction,
performing center stage—
but once the spotlight dies,
I’m returned to my cage.
Box-step, waltzing—
across the ring.
The crowd just loves
the “dancing bear” thing.
Though I am very tame,
don’t poke me with a stick.
Your arm will then be mine,
and you’ll likely get bit.
My handler shocks me,
teaching novel tricks.
I learned to hula-hoop,
but now I’m over it.
Box-step, waltzing—
gliding through the air.
The crowd applauds
the celebrity bear.
The carney men taunt me
after a night on the town.
They wouldn’t be so bold
if I weren’t chained down.
I dream of wild mountains,
wandering forest floors;
I’d fish mighty rivers
where I am caged no more.
Box-step, waltzing—
doing my thing.
The crowd just loves
the “dancing bear” thing.
Then the circus master
offers a golden chance;
he turns his back on me—
I grab him for a dance.
I’m a tent-clearing,
growling, grizzly bear.
Making headlines:
You Should’ve Been There!
—•0•—
Nov 29, 2025
Nov 29, 2025 at 11:19 AM UTC
I am a trained, dancing bear.
The ringmaster treats me well.
Watch me ride a scooter,
and balance on a ball.
I am the star attraction,
performing center stage—
but once the spotlight dies,
I’m returned to my cage.
Box-step, waltzing—
across the ring.
The crowd just loves
the “dancing bear” thing.
Though I am very tame,
don’t poke me with a stick.
Your arm will then be mine,
and you’ll likely get bit.
My handler shocks me,
teaching novel tricks.
I learned to hula-hoop,
but now I’m over it.
Box-step, waltzing—
gliding through the air.
The crowd applauds
the celebrity bear.
The carney men taunt me
after a night on the town.
They wouldn’t be so bold
if I weren’t chained down.
I dream of wild mountains,
wandering forest floors;
I’d fish mighty rivers
where I am caged no more.
Box-step, waltzing—
doing my thing.
The crowd just loves
the “dancing bear” thing.
Then the circus master
offers a golden chance;
he turns his back on me—
I grab him for a dance.
I’m a tent-clearing,
growling, grizzly bear.
Making headlines:
You Should’ve Been There!
—•0•—
I’m not sure whether this is a life metaphor, a protest against animal cruelty, or a simple nod to a favorite Captain Kangaroo character. Such is poetry’s great mystery.
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