a joker's shift

In colors he bloomed, with a big red nose, He chose the job where laughter grows. There he stood in rounded boots, With a grin of mischief and playful hoots. Dressed like a child, his costume loose, A floppy hat, a bright jumpsuit. Then came the rain--it cleared the crowd, While the magician watched, silent and proud. And through the downpour, something broke through A glimpse of the man, not masked, but true. His smile turned down, a burdened frown, Grief wrapped tight in his circus gown. He vanished with no tear, no trace, Just silence held in a painted face. He ends his shift, no cheers, no song, As a joker he smiled, as a joker he belonged