The big-top in the sky The sun still shines The moon wanes on and stars continue to glow. But another star has joined them; from this circus down below. The cycle of life begins with birth and plays till death rolls 'round. Alas, the curtain's final fall on a man who always clowned. We've seen clown-doctors come and go, but here's what get's me down... even old Patch Adams ain't a patch on Dr Clown. The professor clown who wrote the book (complete with illustrations). A man for many era's; and a man for many nations. An age-less, timeless, magic man; A story telling sage. He wrote his own life's chapter in our circus history's page. The ring-man was a rascal, and a 'ratbag' raconteur. He loved to cook up trouble; (he could give the pot a stir). On a stage, or in a boardroom, he loved to tread the board...(s), and never did I see him reach a stage where he was bored. He was a master of the ring, (and yet a slave to clubs and balls). In the uni-cycle of life he rode the wave and faced the falls. The sun still shines The moon wanes on and stars continue to glow. But another star has joined them, from this circus down below. The cycle of life was rolling along but now is stopped by death. Alas, the master of the ring has drawn his final breath. He's joined the grand parade up in the big-top in the sky. But unlike our mortal corpses, his lifes' work will never die. (continued in the next column)
			('The big top in the sky' continued...) I'm glad indeed he lived, and that I had the luck to meet him. He was such a friendly fellow, it's so sad that death must greet him. To me, this juggling juggernaut's life just seemed a ball. (Perhaps one day we'll meet again, in the biggest top of all.) And if indeed there's heaven, then I reckon there's good odds... The newest star arrival will bring laughter to the gods. He'll stir them up. He'll make them cry; but always for good cause. Within a lightening flash, he'll get a thunderous applause. A red-nosed impish angel, with white face (and floppy shoes?) He'll give them all directions, and he'll share his holy views. He'll mark out a holy circle as he makes the heavens ring. He'll make the holy choir balance three-high as they sing. The sun still shines The moon wanes on And stars continue to glow. But another star has joined them, from this circus down below. So shine on sun, and wax away moon, and twinkle little star. Our earthly troupe are mourning for a friend who's now afar. The cycle of life is a circular ring which rolls till the final stop. Vale, Reg. (Our hats are off.) Godspeed to the biggest top.