Lin Lane Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

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

Tears of a Clown

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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Ghairo Daniels May 8, 2025 at 2:56 AM Yeah, I feel his unbearable pain with your words, Lin. ThkU. Lin Lane May 8, 2025 at 5:24 AM Thank you for feeling the pain in my lines, Ghairo.

thriveni c mysore May 7, 2025 at 9:04 PM Congratulations on your win dear poet. Cheers!!! Lin Lane May 8, 2025 at 5:24 AM Thanks so kindly, thriveni.

Robert James Liguori May 6, 2025 at 11:39 PM You are a true wordsmith. Everything you touch turns to gold (or silver in this case). Lol. I loved your poem. So sad for the clown. Lin Lane May 6, 2025 at 11:51 PM The list is up now, and I'm honored by the placement. Lin Lane May 6, 2025 at 11:43 PM Good morning, Robert and thank you very much for liking my entry. I received notice that it is on your winning list, but the list is not available. I'm appreciative that it was chosen, no matter at which level. ;-)

Jay Narain April 28, 2025 at 11:11 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. Lin Lane May 1, 2025 at 3:11 PM Thanks for the comments, Jay.

Unseeking Seeker April 28, 2025 at 7:40 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 April 29, 2025 at 12:58 AM I remember it, it was Peter Sarstedt that sang it. Lin Lane April 28, 2025 at 8:02 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 April 28, 2025 at 3:48 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 April 28, 2025 at 4:34 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 April 28, 2025 at 2:23 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 April 28, 2025 at 4:28 AM They do. Thanks so much, Anne-Lise and hope your week is equally lovely. hugs

Duke Beaufort April 27, 2025 at 7:23 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 April 28, 2025 at 4:27 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 of that title.

Terry Flood April 27, 2025 at 2:42 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 April 27, 2025 at 2:50 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 April 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM They say behind all the facepaint there is sadness. I know some have phobias where clowns are concerned. Tom Lin Lane April 27, 2025 at 2:48 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.