“Step right up! Step right up!
Toss a copper in my cup!
Clap with adoring affection,
For the maiden of recollection!”

Pushing aside the velvet curtain
Greeted by gazes, bewildered and uncertain
Scattered applause simmers down
As I take center stage in my crimson gown 

A purposely prolonged pause to build up tension
Gartering this amiable audience’s attention 
My arms weave and flourish in the air 
Suddenly, they swiftly stiffen and point to a gentleman unaware 

Wide eyes catch mine in the electric glow
A small nod, affirms that he is now part of the show 
He pushes past the crowd to the front row
I perch down and greet him with a simple “Hello”

“Five years ago, you attended this very carnival,
Tossed a gold coin to the bearded lady you said was remarkable
Ate seven candied apples until you were sick
And won the toin coss, a pink elephant was your pick”

The man stands there for a moment, astounded 
Cheers and adoring applause have me surrounded 
A remarkable standing ovation, 
Birthed from hyper vigilance and not my creation 

My smile fades as I head backstage 
Congratulatory pats are received as I return to my cage
The door swings shut and I hiss
As now I am left alone to reminisce 

Walking along the corridor of my extensive memory
Inside each room a lengthy tragic documentary
Techincolored scenes captured in pristine detail
Coerced nightly into cerebral jail 

Most memories are not some gift-wrapped present 
Most memories tend to be deeply unpleasant 
From love-lorn looks to sublimely sustained smiles
The pain bleeds out of me for miles

For it is true what they say, I am the maiden of recollection 
Sponging up my surroundings and their complexions
Spewing up historical echoes for financial collection
And for your satisfaction, I carry the weight of your reflection