Friday, July 21, 2017

THE CLOWN

Meeting the Bar brings us a
challenge from Frank to
write a “minute” poem. Truly
a challenge!
Submitted to dVerse 
July 20, 2017


I’m Roberto, the circus clown,
the best, hands down,
star of the show,
laughter to go.

I excel at playing the fool,
follow the rule,
play for my pay,
day after day.

But behind my greasepaint I hide
pain inside.
Star of the show,
heartbreak to go.

14 comments:

  1. There's a lot of pathos in this. Clowns are sad creatures.

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  2. Playing for pay and underneath is the heartbreak. Nice poem and nice use of the minute form. I liked the consistent rhythm of the meter in the 4 syllable lines.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Frank. I don't know iambic meter from a load of hay, so I sort of fly by the seat of my pants! I find the challenges with so many restrictions a bit frustrating.

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  3. I always feel that we never know what is behind those painted personas and honestly, I've never been comfortable with clowns. I guess I just want to know who I'm dealing with right up front. Nicely executed, Beverly, my friend from Indy.

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  4. I suspect this might be true for many entertainers who put on a face for the public only to find that fame doesn't equal happiness.

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  5. Very nice! I like the repetition of the lines from the first stanza but with a shift to what is really going on inside.

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  6. Reminds me of Smokey Robinson's Tears of a Clown. Well crafted poem that almost makes me feel empathy for clowns instead of the usual terror.:)

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  7. Fear of clowns is fact-based; they are a creepy lot. But comic relief , from the fool to jester to joker is always need it seems.

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  8. The barn picture plays into this very well. It looks familiar. Roberto does look like he's hiding a tear in there, behind the smile

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    Replies
    1. The barn scene is my digital creation. I found the photo of the barn, and added the circus posters and Roberto. Thanks so much for your comment.

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  9. Such a short and delightful poem. Warm greetings to you!

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  10. Beautiful piece, Beverly. Amidst the seeming nonchalance in the piece/delivery by Roberto, there is the underlying despair and resignation.

    ~ Imelda
    ~Imelda

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