Thomas Orszag-Land's 'Lion Tamer'

Beyond the bars, the circus crowd sits pale
to watch the beasts perform the tricks they loathe –
They hope that I, their tamer, may just fail.
But with my whip I will control them both.

I have outfaced the adulating crowd
and I have learned to ride the lions' rage –
My early quest for freedom had its shroud
in fame found here within the circus cage.

For freedom, I pursued the painted lights
(while others dreamed of flight in tame unrest)
in tearful longing past a thousand sights –
Within my trade, today I am the best
 
and watch the crowd behind its fearful mask
and watch the painted lights that will seduce –
The lions' foolish master, thus I ask
if there's still time to put my life to use.