The West Wind Circus

I was what they called a circus child
The "Big Top" was my home each year for a while
Mama was an actress then
But in the summer, she'd fill in
With a troop, they called the West Wind

I recall the smell of sawdust after the rain
That summer you signed on when everything changed
You stole my mother's heart away
And it was hard for her, they say
'Cause you risked your life every day

And Mama always cried and closed her eyes
Until your act was through
And the "I'd be fine"
And all the time you never knew
I loved you, too

No one told the story, and you never knew
Just why it was we were so afraid for you
That prophecy the Gypsies made
We called a superstitious game
Still, we half-believed it just the same

And Mama'd always cried
And close her eyes, and say a prayer for you
And the "I'd be fine"
And all the time you never knew
I was praying, too

I can still see your figure crushed on the ground
And now, when the circus comes to town
I let my children have their day
But me? I tend to stay away
You see, my father died that same way

And Mama'd always cried
And closed her eyes until your act was through
And the "I'd be fine"
And all the time, you never knew
I loved you, too