The Cryin Clown

There's a well traveled "Broken Heart Lane"
On the outskirts of my hometown
People come from miles around
Sharing misery from love in vain

A honkytonk where sad songs flow
Underneath a flashing neon sign
Where libations and music combine
To be a pied piper for lonely souls

From the first time I walked in
Found an empty booth at the back
My love train had jumped the track
Those sad songs were not my friends

I'd sit by that whiskey river
That ran from the sea of love
They'd always give me a shove
When their message was delivered

It was called "The Cryin Clown
Performances were always live
You could slow dance with brokenhearted wives
Until the river pulled you down

One day I finally moved away
Broke loose from my pillory
That old clown would call to me
Every time those sad songs played

I may be love's circus clown
I know where I won't be found
In a river where whiskey drowns
Neath the sign of the Cryin Clown


   an original poem by the "Poemdog" Daniel Turner
    Pillory - wooden framework with holes for the head and hands
                where the offender was exposed to public abuse
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Callaghan Avatar
April 4, 2016 at 3:26 PM
I really enjoyed reading this - so many beautiful lines!
Turner Avatar
April 4, 2016 at 4:36 PM
Thank you, Fiona. I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave friendly comments. Peace my friend:)
Dietrich Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Daniel, this is FANTASTIC writing. One of your best. SEVEN
Turner Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 4:38 PM
Thank you, Andrea. I really appreciate your kind comments. Peace my friend:)
Murray Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 10:17 AM
Slow dance with this brokenhearted wife? We have a joint in our town like that too. It's called Grab a Granny!
Turner Avatar
April 3, 2016 at 4:34 PM
Sounds like my kinda place. Thanks for stopping by, Jean. Peace my friend:)
Smith Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 10:32 PM
fabulous tune my friend...many have gone down that path but not many return
Turner Avatar
March 31, 2016 at 7:36 AM
Thank you, Tim. Yeah, it's like a home for broken hearts or something. I appreciate the friendly visit. Peace my friend:)
Tudor Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 8:48 PM
This brought to mind my first encounter with poetry, as a very young man, and loving the lyrics to Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River"...way ahead of his time with his poetic lyrics and "jazz phrasing"..."drowning in the amber currents of the wetness of it's soul". Nice write for a windy, stormy spring night. J.
Turner Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 8:57 PM
I love Willie Nelson! I'm glad you liked my little song. Needs some spicing up, I think. Peace my friend:)
Smith Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 8:10 PM
A real tear jerker DT. Sounds like a joint in Ft. Smith, AR. I've been to, we called the "menopause room". Good write. Brought back some old memories ...
Smith Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 8:36 PM
Not from there, but lived there a couple of years. I live in Dallas, trust me, there's a few of those joints here too.
Turner Avatar
March 30, 2016 at 8:32 PM
Well Charlie I'm from Arkansas too! Just across the state. I appreciate the friendly visits. Have a shot on me. Peace my friend:)
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