Emily sniffed, tried holding her breath,
Snapped shut her eyes, then blew out a sneeze.
She blasted out such a giant gust
The tent swayed as if on the high seas.

The tigers held their paws to their eyes.
The acrobats spun on the trapeze.
The bearded lady’s whiskers sailed off
The juggler caught the three Pekinese.

The clowns’ smiles turned into big frowns.
The tightrope walker looked ill at ease.
Spectators gasped and spilled food and drinks
On their arms, tummies, laps, legs and knees.

Finally, at last, it was over.
The ringmaster cried apologies.
And from then on Emily was known
As the elephant with the great sneeze.