Freak Show

“I went to the Animal Fair

The birds and the beasts were there

The big baboon by the light of the moon

Was combing his auburn hair.”

 

The Midway was a buzz of activity. The customers lined up to take their ride. 

The Gravitron was out of order.  Someone had thrown a grenade into it while it was still spinning.

Passengers riding “The Zipper” were loosed from their restraints and the echoes of them banging against their cages could be heard even above the din of the moving machines that surrounded them.  When the ride was over, the bodies were dragged from their seats so the next passengers could board.  This ride had the longest line.

Some at the back of the line had gone to shooting each other due to their impatience.  “Why not?” thought the Barker.  “It’s all the same for them once they board the ride anyway.” 

The Ferris Wheel showed better odds as there was only one false-bottom seat on the entire ride.  Depending upon the height and angle when the lever was pulled, the riders below were often pelted by falling families.  The ones left alive were seen as celebrities back on the ground.  The Carneys would rig the games in their favor as the cameras followed the survivors. 

The Shooting Gallery had gone haywire and the ducks were gunning down the customers who only just realized that the tables had been turned once they heard the door lock.  The door has once again opened as the bodies are dragged out the back.  Limited occupancy due to the virus. But the customers are willing to wait their turn for a chance at the prizes. 

The ring toss had to be shut down because of all the broken bottles.  The experts were called in to determine if it was due to weaker glass or stronger plastic. 

The knife-thrower’s assistant is a pick-pocket who taught the organ-grinder’s monkey her only challenging trade.  The wheel facing the audience is just another ride, but they pay for her risks.  That way she knows that at least she’s not a mark.

A ten-year-old handles the controls of the Earth Mover used to pick up and drop off toys down a black hole in a glass box.  But this time, the giant crane knocks over the Ferris Wheel.  They’re all false bottoms now.

Meanwhile, the Broken-Glass-Walkers teach their skill-set to their customers--for a nominal fee.  No pain, no gain.   

The bearded-lady went out of business.  She never received a second glance. 

The Barker who made a living out of lying, actually felt sorry for them.  He knew that the circus animals that had recently been let out of their cages were at least trained.  But what would become of the customers once they opened up the Zoo?