flimsy paperboard railcars
painted red
swinging with celebration from stringy handle

the circus has come to town
wax paper unfolded in anticipation

scrambling fingers sort through favorites
only to have the animals suffer

unfortunate fates
none worse than decapitation
in the jaws of a child

legs swinging in circles off the edge
of the park bench

each animal examined and
whispered to and consumed
until only crumbs remain

belly filled, the little monster skips off
with a new carrier for
treasures