Home » Poems » Gershon Wolf » The Class Clown

The Class Clown

He's the class clown, full of hijinks and pranks, Puts tacks on your seat, swallows fish from the tank. He's full of you-know-what and vinegar, energy galore, Will he act goofy today? -- Does a hungry lion roar?... ...Back at home, he trudges slowly through the side door, A frown and fret on his heart, like a festering sore, His mind a dark cavern, not a thing to live for. He takes off his mask, the transition's complete, 'Cuz you can't be a clown when life's got you beat.

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Panagiota Romios

Date: 5/9/2023 11:03:00 AM

Hi, I had a student like this. I worked with the principal because I saw great leadership skills I got him to be of service like crossing guard, and monitoring lunch lines. FYI. He became a paramedic . Married with children, and he saved a life by jumping on the el tracks to save a woman from an oncoming train, he worked, after schhol. He was a delight. …his parents sent him to the USA,to be free, he cried because he missed them, my fav student, Panagiota 5/9/2023

Gershon Wolf
Date: 5/9/2023 12:53:00 PM

Whoa! How did you come to dig this one up? From 2019?! (Seems like yesterday. Oy!) Thanks, Pangie! :) gw

Wanda Daugherty

Date: 1/19/2019 10:49:00 PM

Good one! We've all known him or been him at times!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 1/20/2019 8:35:00 AM

Thank you so much for your insightful comment, Wanda. Much appreciated. Best wishes, Gershon

P.M. Richter

Date: 9/26/2018 11:03:00 AM

+ Fav poem

Gershon Wolf
Date: 9/27/2018 8:26:00 PM

Wow, you dug 'back in the stack' for this one. I'm impressed. Thank you! Best wishes, Gershon

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 4/29/2018 12:33:00 PM

So desperately needing attention! Probably at heart a funny and happy guy but for the heartache of his family.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/29/2018 1:34:00 PM

You've penetrated to the heart of the matter, with your insight, Kim. Thanks for the visit! :) gw

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 4/28/2018 8:04:00 AM

A very touching poem, Gershon. It speaks of the other half of someone else's reality, often never seen by us. I wrote a poem w/the same title. It had the same theme as yours. It was posted on 2/6/17. Your poem has such a warm homely appeal at the intro, then the pendulum swings. The true reality of this class clown's existence is shown. A masterfully written poem. Love and joy always.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/28/2018 9:57:00 PM

Thank you, Freddie! I'll be viewing your Feb, 2017 poem very soon. Can't wait. It's a joy to hear from you always! Blessings, Gershon

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 4/27/2018 11:01:00 AM

Every class clown I have ever met, has such a sad existence, that they have to be manic to cover up the depression. This poem is going to favs. It resonates with my heart, and soul and brain.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/27/2018 11:30:00 AM

Thank you for making this one a FAVE. I am deeply touched. Appreciated. Blessings, gw

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 4/27/2018 9:09:00 AM

The contrast between the stanzas is striking, makes me think (again) there is more to people than what we see -

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/27/2018 11:31:00 AM

Right! Sometimes what you see is what you Never get! :) gw

Line Gauthier

Date: 4/27/2018 7:13:00 AM

Ah - a sad poem, so difficult to juggle life at times. I hope this clown pulls it together. A very touching poem, Gershon.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/27/2018 11:32:00 AM

I'm glad it moved you, Line...Now I just hope that one doesn't have to be "touched" to write a 'touching poem.' (Kidding here, of course). Thank you for this special visit. Best always, Gershon

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 4/27/2018 5:43:00 AM

So light, so deep. Lovely done dear poet. xomo!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 4/28/2018 11:15:00 AM

"..giggles, one of my favourite worn out Ts says "I'm here what are your other two wishes" ;)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 4/27/2018 11:33:00 AM

'So light, so deep.' -- How much do you charge for these short, succinct super-comments?! Couldn't ask for more if I had three wishes. Thank you, Maureen! :) Gershon