My Father the Clown

My heart is heavy as I help you

Into the costume in which you learn to fly

Always chained to somewhere

In case I might hurt myself

Sitting in the sawdust

That's stained by the animals

Twisted leg in iron and plaster

Dragging 'round and 'round

While I dance with my father the clown

While she's in lace and feathers

I'm the one in clumsy shoes

Always being told I damage what I touch

Can I ever be unfettered

Free as she is front of them all

Or must I stay and eat my own skin

Like the lion in the cage