Sam, a small, emerald-green snake, lay coiled in the thickest patch of grass, his yellow eyes fixed on the sky above. His body twisted and undulated absentmindedly, forming loops and shapes that only he could make. Every so often, he would shrink in on himself, then stretch out suddenly, mimicking the movement of an accordion. "If only I could join the circus," he whispered to the clouds, picturing himself beneath dazzling spotlights.
Sam wriggled closer to the television, his tongue flicking in excitement as he watched the performers fly. The audience’s cheers and the ringmaster’s dramatic voice filled the air, making his heart race. "Look at them go! They make it look so easy," he sighed, his tail curling with longing. He studied every twist and turn, dreaming of the day he could swing through the air just like them.
Determined, Sam slithered up the nearest rock, steadying himself on a branch. He coiled tightly, then sprang, grabbing onto a dangling vine with his tail. Swinging back and forth, he tried to mimic the aerial stunts he’d seen, twisting and stretching his body in midair. "You can do it, Sam," he encouraged himself, grinning as he managed a neat flip before landing in the soft grass.
Sam lay on his back, gazing at the stars beginning to twinkle above. Despite his progress, doubt crept in. "What if I’m just being silly? Snakes don’t join the circus… do they?" His mind replayed images of his brothers and sisters, all content to slither quietly through the grass, never dreaming of spotlights or applause.
Tina watched Sam practicing his flips and twists. "You have a gift, Sam, something truly special," she said kindly. "The circus needs performers who can amaze and inspire. Why not you?" Her words filled him with newfound confidence, and for the first time, Sam believed that maybe—just maybe—he belonged under the big top. One afternoon Sam heard that the Big Top Circus was coming to town. He would have a chance to show off what he could do if he just had a chance. Sam bought a ticket to the circus and sat upfront watching the acrobats, the elephants do tricks, the silly clowns take center stage laughing and chasing each other. He watched the tiger jump through hoops of fire. The circus was an amazing place, a place where Sam thought he could fit in. After the performances were over Sam peered in at the backstage tent. He asked to speak to the Ringmaster who was also the manager. Sam had the opportunity of a lifetime. The manager was looking for a new act. Sam excitedly showed how he could walk the tightrope, how he could jump from one swing to another leaping through the air. He showcased how he could shimmer up the pole and down and do summersaults on the floor mats. The manager thought Sam was amazing. Sam was hired on the spot and that night under the Big Top, Sam proudly showed the crowd all his talents. The crowd roared we want more and stood up clapping! Sam was a sensation. Sam was a marvel to behold as he stood center stage smiling and took a well deserved bow!
