The Blue Moon Review - Poetry

Poem by Doug McClellan

Performer

I was billed as an artiste
but even with good sound effects
I’ve been losing it. Eyes going funny.
All the moves just half a beat late.
It’s been a solid act, I showed up regularly
not top of the marquee, but

I had a long run and some class material--
up to seven china plates at a time,
or five bowling pins, once,
a set of crystal goblets in the air...
(drum roll) -- behind the back,
blindfolded, that kind of stuff.

Now the act is down to three tennis balls,
and sloppy at that. Any less
and it won’t even be juggling.

Douglas McClellan is a well-known visual artist, exhibiting nationally and internationally since 1950, Professor of Art at University of California, Santa Cruz, Doug McClelland began writing poetry about five years ago.