Stolen Innocence

The cacophony of the carnival
massacred the peaceful night
As they announced their arrival
in a blaze of noise and light.
The clown face on the fun house
leered a leery smile
At the people who were queuing
like a boisterous crocodile.

There were carousels, dodgem cars
and smelly onion air;
a Ferris wheel,waltzers
candy floss to share.
The barker on the midway
barked of sights that must be seen.
“Come my friends feast your eyes
upon Egypt’s ancient Queen“

The concessions so varied
were doing a roaring trade,
whilst greedy eyes were shining
at profits to be made.
Cracking shots at duck shoots,
balls bashing coconut shies;
caterwauling music,
excited childish eyes.

A dreaded sense of deja vu,
it’s happened all before;
a terrifying glimpse
of a figure behind a door...
That door slammed in terror
frigid with fright and rage;
An ardent wish to keep the beast
locked within it’s cage.

Amid the frenzied atmosphere
the horror hurtles back
a night fearfully forgotten,
Lord...it’s courage that I lack.
A memory lost on purpose
in the darkest corners of the brain
now rushes back to meet me
come to haunt me once again.

The memory of an evil face;
knife pressed against my throat.
The stale stink of cigarettes,
a rancid greasy coat.
A coward who's inadequate
who cannot play the game
One who would rather rape,
humiliate and never leave his name.

2008