Tears of a Clown

He glances ‘round the crowded room,
Where laughter sparks and joy resumes.
He plays along, a practiced mime—
Lifts his lips, but not in time.

For somewhere deep, his mind has flown,
His soul long gone, he stands alone.
What’s left behind, a hollow frame—
A shadowed man without a name.

And oh,
You cannot feign what isn’t true.
So smiles, like paint, began to skew—
A circus mask, a jester’s frown,
The silent tears of one worn down.

The clown remained, as days went by,
But joy, it wilted, left to die.
Behind the lens, a smile posed—
But all that gleamed was false, composed.

Where is the laughter? Where’s the cheer?
What once was light now disappears.
And all that’s left when curtains drown,
Are soft and salty tears of a clown.

He tried to hide the ache with grace,
But sorrow shimmered on his face.
And though he smiled, his eyes betrayed—
The hush where happiness once stayed.

Why, love—
It was the tears of a clown.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Derden Avatar
June 28, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Your poem "Tears of a Clown" is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of hidden sorrow. You masterfully capture the painful dissonance between outward performance and inner despair.
madelyn Avatar
July 5, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Thank you!!
Volumes Avatar
May 23, 2025 at 5:50 AM
You are a true poet, This is a wonderful poem, I shall follow you to drink in the ambrosia you splash onto pages for us to read. Thanks.
madelyn Avatar
May 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Thank you!
mysore Avatar
May 7, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Congratulations on your win dear poet. Cheers!!!
madelyn Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Cheers!
Liguori Avatar
May 6, 2025 at 11:55 PM
You are a new face on my contest winners. Great job with your poetry. Congrats on the placement.
madelyn Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Oh really!! Thank you so much!!!!! I feel honored
Buhagiar Avatar
May 2, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Emelia, this is a brilliant poem. You captured the force of a person who makes us laugh but in reality, the clown is sad His face a mask. Best for a win.
madelyn Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Thank you!
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