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.
Posted by at

14 comments:

  1. Jane DoughertyJuly 21, 2017 at 9:04 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frank HubenyJuly 21, 2017 at 9:20 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. indybevJuly 21, 2017 at 10:14 AM

      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.

      Delete
  3. Victoria Ceretto-SlottoJuly 21, 2017 at 12:46 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnotherFearlessYear.netJuly 21, 2017 at 12:58 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  5. colorfulpenJuly 21, 2017 at 1:26 PM

    Nicely done!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. NosaintJuly 21, 2017 at 1:37 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  7. The BizzaJuly 21, 2017 at 4:09 PM

    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.:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glenn ButtkusJuly 21, 2017 at 4:41 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. WaltermarksJuly 21, 2017 at 5:24 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. indybevJuly 22, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      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.

      Delete
  10. BlogorattiJuly 22, 2017 at 1:54 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. ImeldaJuly 24, 2017 at 6:40 PM

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

    ~ Imelda
    ~Imelda

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sok SarethJuly 31, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    The content of your blog is exactly what I needed, I like your blog, I sincerely hope that your blog a rapid increase in traffic density, which help promote your blog and we hope that your blog is being updated.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)