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Open Poetry #49
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jjote
Senior Member
since 2002-12-25
Posts 1088
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2016-04-30 10:31 PM


Palm Springs commercial photography
[a whimsical take inspired by Jerry's clown - an old photo, an old poem somewhat refurbished]

I make them laugh through my tears,
they think I’m faking my pain.
the kids love me and they clap
amused that adults can cry.

They don’t  know I weep real tears,
that my heartaches follow me
like a faithful dog; I cry
as that’s my job, my reason
to live; and I’d smash my head
screaming against a wall so  
people would think I’ve gone mad
and they would be truly right.

The circus has moved away.
In vain, I’ve waited for them
to come back  so I can wear
my clown costume, be funny
man again crying real tears,
feeling real pain.  I long  
for the summer rain to come
with each drop my tears will fall.

I am now a clown fountain
which stands in the middle of
a kids’ shallow swimming pool
I hear their laughter once more
as they splash and swim about
they play and ring around me
what joy to watch them have fun.
The gods have granted my wish
to cry forever – my tears
have become one with the pool.


@jjote 04/30/2016

© Copyright 2016 Josefina Costales - All Rights Reserved
Ari Squire
Member
Posts 488
In The Phallus Lane
1 posted 2016-05-01 12:58 PM


I like your poem and picture jjote, but with all those many tears and melancholic overtures, I'm having a time seeing it as "a whimsical take". Rather sad altogether like Bobby Goldsboro's "See The Funny Little Clown".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHnJ6aPvNGA

More feelings and fewer words please

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2016-05-01 08:49 AM


Yes indeed, jjote, no one knows what goes on behind the clowns facade. Nice work.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

Cari
Member
Posts 411
Englnand
3 posted 2016-05-01 09:13 AM


I don’t why but this syndrome seems to haunt the minds of other funny men too. Robbie Williams, Spike Milligan, Stephen Fry and many others. They seem to suffer from periods of hyper activity and descent to black despair, which I understand is common with manic depressives.
Fame for those who lighten our lives does seem to come at a heavy price.

A very good poem jjote, expressed perfectly.

Cari

jjote
Senior Member
since 2002-12-25
Posts 1088
Ontario, Canada
4 posted 2016-05-01 10:35 PM


Thanks Ari, Jerry & Cari - for your encouraging words, Appreciate it so much
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