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Tears of a Clown

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Robert's 'Tears of a Clown' Contest ~ April 27, 2025

Once, he wore the smile of a happy man but now that seems so out of place on the foolish facade of a circus clown who stood on his head to draw on his face. His life had been turned upside down. What tragedy has filled him with dread, this man, who paints a silly grin on his lips and cries just to prove he's not dead? Tears of a clown With a dismal fate and cannot come to grips. Life is an act, and he plays his part well but hiding behind the cheerful mask are the eyes of a brokenhearted man. One who every night could drown in a sea of tears for a life that's a living hell. Every day he wears the same baggy clothes, a costume worn to hide the pain that he doesn't allow anyone to see. But each night the rain falls again. Tears of a clown Trying to get through a time of catastrophe Full of remorse when he lays himself down It's all part of the carnival show but alone in shadows he weeps. He's inconsolable as they flow Tears of a clown Nightmares haunt him as he sleeps With bitter memories, he wakes and another river flows down his cheeks Tears of a clown What sorrowful misery his heart wreaks

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Jay Narain

Date: 4/28/2025 11:11:00 AM

Beautiful poem. There is an Indian movie, Mera Naam Joker(My name is clown), which depicts the life of a clown full of sorrow and pain.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 4/28/2025 7:40:00 AM

Reminds me of the song ~ where do you go my lovely, when you’re alone in your bed’~ beautiful write, Lin, sensitively penned.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 4/29/2025 12:58:00 AM

I remember it, it was Peter Sarstedt that sang it.

Lin Lane
Date: 4/28/2025 8:02:00 AM

I don’t know the song but my first answer would be, “ I walk through the memories that keep swirling in my head.“ thank you very much, Seeker.

Ink Empress

Date: 4/28/2025 3:48:00 AM

What an empathetic and soulful take on the song dear linnersz, i felt it especially as i read "Life is an act, and he plays his part well but hiding behind the cheerful mask are the eyes of a brokenhearted man" i think many can resonate and feel those words as so many often the cheerful ones ready to make others smile and happy are those that carry so much pain within, yes they hide behind cheerful masks, and play their part as life seems like an act, youv really delivered a poem that truly left me in awe! I think this should score high! You did write a poem that fits the prompt theme perfectly!! Robert should like this! Best wishes dear linnersz, sending you light always

Lin Lane
Date: 4/28/2025 4:34:00 AM

Thank you, Ink. I'm more of the Smokey Robinson type 'Tears of a Clown.' Lyrics... "But don't let my glad expression give you the wrong impression. Oh, I'm sadder than sad." Sorrow has always been difficult for me to disguise. I'm not sure if Robert will see it the way you do, but there it is.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/28/2025 2:23:00 AM

- He hides his sadness behind the mask... - Many people act like the clown, Lin :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - Have a lovely new spring week :) - hugs

Lin Lane
Date: 4/28/2025 4:28:00 AM

They do. Thanks so much, Anne-Lise and hope your week is equally lovely. hugs

Duke Beaufort

Date: 4/27/2025 7:23:00 PM

Lin, you let us wonder what the cause of his pain is so we get to fill in the blanks with that which we have ourselves felt. That is, I'm told, a quality of great poetry! I'm thinking that we all like to be a bit of a clown at times, but whatever we do, real pain will always be waiting behind the curtain. Hope you are well and smiles!!

Lin Lane
Date: 4/28/2025 4:27:00 AM

I didn't want to name the cause of his pain and thanks for noticing that, Duke. Happy clowns, sad clowns... I'm meh about all of them, but this sorrowful man doesn't quite fit the mold a that title.

B.J. Fitz

Date: 4/27/2025 2:43:00 PM

Hi Lin, I really love this poem as it portrays misery as an act performed by a fool who makes a living by acting funny. Maybe I didn't interpret it well, but it seems that you are suggesting that we choose how we feel, and I think this was a very intelligent and vivid way to do so. Also, i love the line "who stood on his head to draw on his face." Great poem, cheers, B.J.

Lin Lane
Date: 4/27/2025 2:54:00 PM

Hello, B.J. and thanks for reading this one. Your interpretation is correct. This poem was written for a contest highlighting 'Tears of a Clown' by Iron Maiden. I think in this clown's life, he was covering his true emotions... those that conflicted inside of him. Thanks for telling me a line you liked. That line was to mean by standing on his head, he painted a frown instead of a smile, but since you got the gist of it, you probably knew that. Thanks, again.

Terry Flood

Date: 4/27/2025 2:42:00 PM

Well that really cheered me up! Seriously, Lin, I reckon many will recognise this inner turmoil that you’ve described so well.

Lin Lane
Date: 4/27/2025 2:50:00 PM

Come on, Terry. With a title like that what did you expect? lol Seriously, many wear a smile as a facade to what they feel inside. As difficult as it may be, it's easier than having to explain or see pity in their eyes. Cheer up, Deputy. Things have been quiet in Milton Creek, so your job's been easy. ;-)

Tom Cunningham

Date: 4/27/2025 2:13:00 PM

They say behind all the facepaint there is sadness. I know some have phobias where clowns are concerned. Tom

Lin Lane
Date: 4/27/2025 2:48:00 PM

Never liked them, never will even if they're crying real tears. I was too close to one as a child who just wouldn't go away. Thanks, Tom.