| A TWICE WEEKLY SERIAL OF BIG TOP FOLK BY
SIMON PARKE |
|
EPISODE 17
MOVING ON
The circus doesn't ask much when it comes to town. Any flat space can become a pitch; any down-at-heel park in village or city. And once the lorries arrive, tents can be up within hours, as the trailers slowly gather. Putting up the tents is the sweaty labour of shouting men; stripped to their waists, and hammers on big buckled belts. You know the arrival's near done when the power-creating hum of the circus generators begins; lights begin to flash, on and off, just testing; and roundabouts revolve in empty rehearsal.
"I like it when the roundabout starts," says Daisy, quite certain that Julie the elephant understands.
Tent-Peg Ted is the Tent Master, who gives the final say when the riggers can go. They want to go now, but Ted won't let them.
"The King Pole's on the tilt," says Ted, eyeing the Big Top's central pole with disdain.
"The King Pole's upright – my life!" says the head rigger.
"The King Pole's on the fucking tilt."
"I don't see it, Ted."
"Really? Well, on your way to the Blind Shop, send me someone who can do the job and I'll pay them instead."
"It may be we can get it slightly straighter."
Tent Masters are responsible for safety and repairs to the tent, and many, like Ted, are ex-merchant navy, having learnt their trade in the sailing ships. They're rope and canvass men, which blistered hands to prove it.
"Drinks at mine tonight," says Davido, to anyone who's passing.
It's a tradition on arrival at a new site; a communal gathering at one trailer or other.
"Anyone seen Jess?" asks Samantha.
"Don't expect him for another hour at least," says Ringo. "You know where he'll be now."
"Where's that then?"
"Back at the last place – saying goodbye!"
And this is true; for while the rest of the circus settles into the new, Jess is saying goodbye to the old. When the circus ups sticks and moves on, nothing is left but tyre track scars, peg holes and the litter of bottles and bags. No more Big Top and side shows; no more roundabout and ghost house; just the trampled grass, broken glass, memories; and Jess saying goodbye to the empty space.
"How can you say hello," he'd once said to Daisy, "until you've said goodbye?"
More clowning around |
