Under the billowing Big Top of my life, am I the Ringmaster, the Clown ... or just the guy who gets fired from the cannon? This startlingly original collection of poems runs the gamut from joy to despair and all ports in between. Shudder at the bleak and futuristic "Manifesto of the Machines," described by the Magic Oxygen Literary Prize as 'thunderously chilling' and 'horribly credible' with 'a glorious steady pulse of iambic pentameter running though its beautifully structured stanzas'. Revel in the exuberance of "I Saw You Dance the Tango," a celebration of profound love and commitment, or shed a quiet tear at the personal tragedy of "Elephant in the Room," which was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. Chuckle at the quirky humour of "25 Questions for a First Date" and the self-incrimination of "Spring Refrain." In fact, just sit back and enjoy all thirty poems in this delightful little book. As well as diversity of poetic form, from the highly structured Sestina and Rondeau Redouble to Free verse, the collection exhibits a wide variety of themes. The author stays true to his personal maxim that the best poetry should make you laugh, make you cry and make you think.