Clowning Around

The smile that hides the lost tears of a fool, Her laughter cannot see the eyes that cry; A jester played and playing it so cool, With tricks to send the merriment up high. Behind the scenes away from her and sight, The saline tears are free to flow again, A broken heart that dares to hide its plight This laughing shield reveals no sign of pain. Yet she must surely know how I’m distressed, That laughter stops before the closing call, When feelings are no longer repressed, The foolish smile alone can only fall. This secret hidden in the circus ground For love she left while I was clowning round. Form: English Sonnet