For over a century, we ruled the traveling circuit. But now, we barely survive. Children’s squeals of delight blend with the murderous rage boiling over outside the tent. They’ve taken everything. Our cages stand empty.
But the show must go on. Always.
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I wrote two gargleblasters this week for yeah write #184 and
this one made the cut for the grid. Did I make the right choice?
Ultimate Question: when did our elephants leave?
Arden Ruth 
Arden, I freaking love this! But I’m a fan of circus stories…
Thanks Nat! Speaking of, do you watch American Horror Story? It’s sort of circusy this season 🙂
I do, but I’m a season behind. 🙂
So much awesomeness awaits you!
Also a fan of circus stories. Natalie, I have a circus story shelf on Goodreads. My fave? Geek Love. Have you read?
Arden, because you asked, I like Mokita better. It was in my top 3. The murderous rage in this one read for me as an overstatement, because the second sentence seems like a statement of acceptance.
Thanks Nate! I liked this one but I knew something didn’t fit but I couldn’t figure it out 🙂
I have not! I’ll put it in my queue. I’m specifically thinking of The Night Circus and Water for Elephants.
Ahhhh Water for Elephants. So good!
Loved Water for Elephants. The Night Circus kinda ticked me off. Two of my other circusy faves: Tipping the Velvet and Wonder When You’ll Miss Me.
I really liked the tone of this one, Arden. But I think it does not answer the question ‘When’ very well. Or maybe I am reading it wrong. As a standalone piece, it sounds beautiful, though 🙂
Thank you!
I love them both!
Thanks Jen! 🙂
I especially love the despair of the last two sentences. A really powerful piece, but the murderous rage seemed to get a bit lost — I almost want you to switch that line with the one before it (murderous rage before barely surviving).
Thanks Asha! That’s a great tip 🙂
After reading Water for Elephants any time I think about circuses I get very sad. But your elephants sound like professional entertainers 🙂
Circuses make me sad in general for all sorts of reasons, unfortunately. Thanks for reading!