Notes About The Poem

For Margarita Lillico's Guess Who poetry contest.

 

Guess Who

Born in London in eighteen eighty nine,
a 'rags to riches' story just like mine.
His childhood was full of horrid violence.
In adulthood he was the king of silence.

In silent reels of comedy he found his fame.
Moving to America is where he made his name.
Through slapstick hilarity and tender tears,
he entertained the world for countless years,

Known for his speech in the Great Dictator, 
mocked Hitler, but was seen as a traitor.
Criticised for refusing to go to war.
He was a pacifist, so it caused uproar.

He said his mum was the first to inspire,
he was knighted by the British Empire.
Married four times with eleven children,
had many affairs seen as forbidden.

His laughter was born from the deepest pain.
His artistic spirit will always remain.
He mirrored life in hues of black and white,
whilst painting dreams as a beacon of light.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Fowler Avatar
April 4, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Fabulous portrayal of the Tramp! Congratulations! :)
Jones Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 8:05 PM
Congratulations on your poignant poem’s win!
Ibeh Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 4:54 PM
Yep, none other than the incomparable Charlie Chaplin! Great poem as usual, SO:-) Congratulations on your win!
Sidwell Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 10:52 AM
Big fan of the actor and the poem!
Lillico  Avatar
March 23, 2024 at 7:53 AM
We love Charlie! Tip of the Tramp’s hat to you. Congratulations!
Beaufort Avatar
March 11, 2024 at 5:39 PM
SO, he was a real talent and a gifted musician among other things. They show is films periodically on Turner Classic Films Network. He had a lot of insights about life.
Dome Avatar
March 11, 2024 at 1:22 PM
Brilliant. Charlie Chaplin. So true he was In a workhouse in London. A clever man, Who beat the system and escaped to America,by fate and guts. Eight years old. He also wrote the lyrics to one of my favourite songs, 'Smile'. Well done. Pete.
Williams Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 10:45 PM
I'm a great fan of both your poetry and The famous Charlie Chaplin. Your depiction of the famous man is wonderful. Who can forget his famous speech in The Great Dictator? Here Chaplin drops his comic mask and his silence and speaks directly to the world, conveying his view that people must rise up against dictators and unite in peace. We can only wish...Hugs
George Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 10:24 PM
There is no mistaking. It is none other than Charlie Chaplin, the king of silence but who made everyone roar into laughter. He too laughed, but his laughter had come from the deepest pain. All the Best dear Silent One.
George Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 5:23 PM
So many thoughts of who this is about but none sits. Chaplin?
Canerdy Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 12:05 PM
Sounds like Charlie Chaplin. I had heard some of these details, but I didn't know he was excessively immoral. Excellently written, S.O.! Janice
Kendrick Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 11:53 AM
Great work. I have no idea of whom you are writing. Thanks for sharing it with us. I guess it must be a contest going on because I have seen maybe two of these. Sara K
Slaughter Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 9:53 AM
My guess was Chaplin, as well. I did not know some of the things you mention in this enjoyable piece, however. Great going, S O.
Poet Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 8:28 AM
Dear SO, your poem is undoubtedly about the life of Charlie Chaplin, a renowned comedian and actor, known for his silent film performances and his outspoken views on pacifism and social justice. You use descriptive language to illustrate the challenges and achievements of Chaplin. The use of words such as "horrid violence," "slapstick hilarity," "tender tears," "mocked Hitler," "pacifist," "knighted," "forbidden," "deepest pain," and "beacon of light"paint a vivid picture of Chaplin's life.
Empress Avatar
March 10, 2024 at 7:38 AM
Is it charlie chaplin? King of silence and comedy made me think of him, and his moustache maybe something to do with hitler lolol gosh now im not very sure, but i hope i got this right. Clever write and your words flow so well too, “Married four times with eleven children, had many affairs seen as forbidden.” Oh thats interesting. Now i need to know whi this is about? “ His laughter was born from the deepest pain. His artistic spirit will always remain” brilliant! And i always believe those with laughter and jokes often carry so much suppressed pain. Loved this
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