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Tears of a Clown

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May.6. 2025
Tears of a Clown Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Robert James Logouri
~ Placed eighth in Brian's Contest~

 


 

suddenly from somewhere a street urchin an untamed bird of the wider sky dropped down into the circus tent. before him unfurled, scenes eerie, awesome! soaring lions and tigers, gibbering baboons, caravans of camels, animal tamers and acrobats, artists balancing on poles, swinging from bars to trapeziums, pliant girls with plastic limbs, and pouting breasts, walking on tight ropes. a strange world with beasts and men! his face painted white. in motely dress, he was arrayed, and a tall tapering cap placed on his forcibly tonsured head. he hardly knew what it all meant. he heard the bells ringing and it was time for the show. he was told; he would henceforth be a clown and should make people laugh. * * * * a thousand sunsets passed him by. he forgot the familiar alleys of the streets. lost sight of the endless pathways of the sky. lost in a world, so populous- so empty. he buried him, in the hidden caverns of himself, nursing a hundred bruises inflicted by Time’s sharp razors. a stranger to himself. at times, tears long held back, would trickle down, moistening his pillow as he lay listening to the inner ravings of his heart. often, he was reminded- ‘you should make others laugh’ he did make people laugh while a fountain of tears still lay frozen, in the slivers of his broken heart.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/14/2025 11:00:00 AM
Unique write! Congrats!
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Date: 5/10/2025 3:32:00 PM
I want to know more, I want to know what happened to him prior to the time you wrote about. I almost didn't read it because I have that weird fear of clowns, but I felt no fear, only the emotions you intended and delivered in your well-written and compelling poem. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Date: 5/10/2025 9:35:00 AM
Its sad sometimes the ones that make others laugh often are in need of a laugh or smile, yoiv written a very seamless poem as always and one that is so moving and touching! I really felt the lines “ a thousand sunsets passed him by. he forgot the familiar alleys of the streets. lost sight of the endless ” the way you deliver things in such a descriptive manner is truly impressive dear valsa! You have a very beautiful way with words! I absolutely loved reading you today! Sending you light always
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Date: 5/8/2025 8:32:00 AM
Ahh!! Filled with emotions is this one. Thanks for sharing it with us. So many people get trapped in a life they hate and deeply saddened by the life they live but they get up each day and go on. Sara K
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Date: 5/7/2025 5:42:00 PM
so delicious and inspiring poetry, never liked clowns, have a nice week end poet
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Date: 5/7/2025 11:22:00 AM
A wonderful "Tears of a Clown" write with a great picture. I loved going to the circus. I think they are all gone. The sad clowns always made everyone laugh. "Good Luck" Have a blessed day writing away...........
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Date: 5/7/2025 8:07:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, How haunting and unforgettable. Such a paradox of the clown-forced to wear a painted smile, making others laugh while hiding his own sorrow. The imagery of the street urchin-turned-clown, lost in a world both dazzling and empty, speaks to the loneliness beneath the mask. Like the best clowns, your words reveal deep truths about pain, resilience, and the cost of joy. Spring Blessings, My Dear Valsa, Daniel
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Date: 5/7/2025 2:37:00 AM
Clowns make us laugh, but no return love do we get from the. Leoncavallo wrote a magnificent short opera.
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Date: 5/6/2025 11:28:00 PM
Why Pagliacci remains such a popular opera. A bit of sad clown in all of us. Well said.
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Date: 5/6/2025 7:45:00 PM
This is very different. I like the fresh approach to the theme.
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Date: 5/6/2025 10:53:00 AM
I wonder why circus clowns have such a sad life beyond the mask. Is it the routine or some personal sad events. Very nice poem.
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