The West Wind Circus

I was what they called a circus child

The "Big Top" was my home each year for a while

Mama was an actress then

But in the summer, she'd fill in

With a troop, they called the West Wind

I recall the smell of sawdust after the rain

That summer you signed on when everything changed

You stole my mother's heart away

And it was hard for her, they say

'Cause you risked your life every day

And Mama always cried and closed her eyes

Until your act was through

And the "I'd be fine"

And all the time you never knew

I loved you, too

No one told the story, and you never knew

Just why it was we were so afraid for you

That prophecy the Gypsies made

We called a superstitious game

Still, we half-believed it just the same

And Mama'd always cried

And close her eyes, and say a prayer for you

And the "I'd be fine"

And all the time you never knew

I was praying, too

I can still see your figure crushed on the ground

And now, when the circus comes to town

I let my children have their day

But me? I tend to stay away

You see, my father died that same way

And Mama'd always cried

And closed her eyes until your act was through

And the "I'd be fine"

And all the time, you never knew

I loved you, too