half assed carnies

It smells like bullshit tonight
half assed carnies are conforming
with body modifications
and religious propaganda
hoping hell is just as pretty as they say
for third class rejects
subconsciously reaching for acceptance
in an eclipse
that was brought on by Tim Burton nightmares
released from the confides
of inverted dream catchers
fantasizing they could share horror biographies
under onyx moons
and grief airbrushed faces
but what they don't realize
is it's called a freak show for a few reasons
and pity isn't one of them

Dumbo was a climax
a naked throe touching clouds
a dozen hookers from ear to ear
a haze induced escapism
for the pure thrill in surfeit instability
he had a chemical exoskeleton
enveloped around a tired husk
his velcro lips always curved into a lie
the circus never held his hand
so he lives in cartoon wonderland

It smells like bullshit tonight
half assed carnies are conforming
pretending the trapeze act
isn't attempted suicide
they say, "let's be clowns Courtney
we'll laugh at all the aspirations
of corporate zombies
relive teenage years
fuck the scars we bred
drink away our shames
then piss it all away"
the ring master promised freedom
and we can all smoke the glass train together
guilt free as a family
all I have to do is start the rides
choose a tent on the street
and close my eyes
but what they don't realize
is it's called a freak show for a few reasons
and love isn't one of them