I'm in the Circus

by Leah Symonne

[Jennifer | Pushing Pages]

This collection of essays and poetry explores honesty through art, mockery through art, grappling with mental illness, and becoming comfortable with trauma.

"At what point does art do more damage to us, than good?"

For being a self-published and honest reflection of the self, I'd say that Symonne does quite a bit of good. Sure, there are things an editor might recommend be changed in the prose, but it's all minor when you consider the point. It's not a display of how immaculate her art is. It's a display of who she is within it. In this case, a performer who breaks a few rules all for the chance to be seen.

You can read I'm in the Circus quickly. It's short, but it's one that's causing me to consider what essays and poetry I set aside that deserve softer eyes now. And in what ways were I just using those pieces to reach out - not just for attention, but for love.