Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Story time: I hate the circus. When I was little I remember overhearing my Father talk about the big Circus Tent Fire in (I think) Hartford, Connecticut. He was in the Army at the time (in the early 40's) and his outfit was given the job of "cleanup" of the site. He told of finding burnt bodies in the rubble and having to bring them out. How awful it was, etc. I'm not sure exactly what image that left in my young mind, but, one of my Aunts decided that she would like to bring me to a circus. I was never so afraid of anything in my life, before or since. All I wanted to do was get out and the sooner the better. I never took my own kids to a circus until one time when there was one at the old Forum (I think that was what it was called back then, you know the original "put de puck in de net" place) in Montreal, had one and I was able to relax enough to see it thinking, I'm sure that it was a lot less likely for that building to go up in smoke then a tent. Was still nervous but able to get through it with no panic attack. Except for the first one that is the only one that I have ever seen. I can't even watch it on TV.I'm going to miss this...I know it isn't politically correct but I will genuinely miss these times. In the way back time machine dogs and cats were not domesticated. Same goes for all sorts of creatures. Sometimes captivity doesn't bring abuse and torture but a bond with humans and animals. I grew up with Ringling in my life along with the much smaller but lovely Kelly Circus. My kids grew up with it all plus the bonus of Disney AK. Likely my someday grandchildren will never know of the mighty creatures kept in a circus, a zoo or an aquarium. They might only know the creatures in some form text copy of some variety.
Near my Mom's home when the circus came to town they'd off load and have a free parade. I enjoyed, my kids enjoyed. The mighty creatures did not act or appear tortured but had a role in life much like service creatures do.
Sadly my someday grandkids will not likely get to know the creatures I had such a fondness for.
So majestic.
