My Father The Clown

My heart is heavy as I help you
Into the costume in which you learn to fly
Always chained to somewhere
In case I might hurt myself
Sitting in the sawdust
That's stained by the animals

Twisted leg in iron and plaster
Dragging 'round and 'round
While I dance with my father the clown

While she's in lace and feathers
I'm the one in clumsy shoes
Always being told I damage what I touch

Can I ever be unfettered
Free as she is front of them all
Or must I stay and eat my own skin
Like the lion in the cage