»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #49
»
clown
| Open Poetry #49 |
|
clown |
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
|
clown Do you know how a clown finds relief when he’s down and all alone after the show? Will someone dry a tear if it threatens to smear his grease paint? Does anyone know What’s behind the white mask? Is there someone to ask for comfort when his needs are great? Does he have anyone when his work is all done and the spotlights of the tent fade? Each night, he does his thing out in that center ring, lifting others who might feel bad But who does that for him when his life’s feeling grim, when his heart is heavy and sad? Giving laughs takes a toll, sometimes it seems his soul is too weary to carry on. Who helps him maintain hope and find some way to cope after wig and big nose are gone? If he needs to unwind is he able to find someone with a shoulder to share? Once the antics all cease, do his friends give him peace or at least show him that they care? When the laughter is done even clowns need someone who will be there at end of day With an ear and a hug, not an impatient shrug, when there’s something he needs to say? As his audience beams and goes home to their dreams wearing smiles he put on their face, Somewhere a lonely man lifts a drink in his hand but his sorrows can’t be erased. If you want smiles supplied, the Big Top can provide the best entertainment around. To escape misery it’s a great place to be - unless, that is, you are the clown. rg 07/2012 Written for a beloved friend, posted in memory of Robin Williams. So many laughs.... now so many tears. May he rest in the peace that eluded him in life. |
||
| © Copyright 2014 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
A masterpiece. 'Nuff said. ~*~ If they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
||
|
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
It's a sad day, Ruth. Robin touched us al, even those of us withering in the dark, with an infectuous laughter, and yet could draw the deepest of every other emotion from us as well. He was gifted, and a gift to us all as well. As with many who bear such talents though, there is a price... and usually one that's paid in darkness. Mayhap it's God's way of keeping everyone equal. I'm glad you touched on Robin's... other side. There were many tears there beside the painted tears of a clown. Good to see you here, Ruth, even if for such a sad occasion Michael |
||
|
jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Well, he will be sorely missed. And, as in all death's, it's sad to see him go - But! Looking on the positive side --- HI RUTH! It's so GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN! missed you . . . Jimmy |
||
|
BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
Oh suthern gal it is so like you to write such an empathetic poem. Depression is so painful and isolating. I was thinking of his life and times and all the laughter Robin Williams left behind, and how difficult it must have been to be "on" all the time. So good to read you here. God speed to a fine man who made a difference in so many lives. |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
What a beautiful, sensitive, compassionate poem, Ruth, as only you can write! The poem, as well as his passing, brought tears to my eyes. May he rest in peace. Owl |
||
|
latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Lovely write Suthern. You have a good heart and understanding of others. I am sure you have been there also.I have had a lot of sadness in my family.Fortunately I have not been given that burden myself,but watch it all around me and can do nothing to help. So I am sure even his loving wife was not able to help Robin. He has made his own peace in his own way as did my daughter Joanne many years ago. JO |
||
|
Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Do we not feel betrayed when someone steals themselves from us? RIP Robin - a fragile, comic genius. Thanks for this, Ruth. It reminds of fellow Pipsters who left us too soon. I miss them all. |
||
|
Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Lovely Tribute to America's favorite clown, Ruth. Ida |
||
|
MICHELMAS Member
since 2012-02-15
Posts 305Lancashire England |
Lovely tribute Michael |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
JerryPat - Thank you very much. I'm honored. Thank you, Michael. At first, I didn't know why his death devastated me so completely, even though I loved his work from Mork right through The Crazy Ones, admired his generosity and was in awe at the brilliance of his improvisations. But... there but for the grace of God... and how I wish he'd had what I had - someone in his face, holding him here with love. Jimmy - thank you, my friend. I've missed being here and missed my poet friends. *S* Thank you, Bluesy. My compulsion to control has thus far saved me from addiction, but as you can tell by my response to Michael, I know one of Robin's demons all too well... and truly wish him peace. Owl - Thank you so much! I'd always considered this poem a bit too personal to post... but a painting by Robin's hero, Jonathan Winters, was partial inspiration for the poem... so I hoped it was a fitting tribute. latearrival - I often wear my sadness like a shroud... so I greatly admire those who lift others in spite of their pain. I am so sorry for the losses you've endured... Thank you! Krawdad - I have not walked in his shoes, but my moccasins have taken me down paths I wouldn't have chosen on better days... and I would not be here now if not for timely intervention. So I will not - can not - judge. But I will - and do - mourn. Thank you - I miss them, too... some daily and intensely. Ida: Thank you so much! I'm really not a fan of most comedians... but he was special. Michael - Thank you very much! |
||
|
Goldenrose Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665 |
Brilliant tribute to a very funny and great man.... may he R.I.P....a fine poem for him Suthern sweetheart, that reads so very well too... Thank you... Goldenrose |
||
|
Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear Ruth, thank you for this very sensitive, beautiful poem which Robin - had he read it - would have greatly appreciated too, no doubt. All the joy he has shared with humanity outweighs certainly the pain he caused by leaving abruptly. He is forgiven, I am sure, because God knows something too about the solitude of a loving heart! And no doubt you know too, because only who knows has such deep comprehension ...  Love, Margherita |
||
|
LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Well done tribute, Ruth. You put a lot of work into this. Hugs |
||
|
latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
just saving this one. Until I can print it out Thanks again. Jo |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Goldenrose: Thank you so much for those kind comments! Margherita: He gave so much love in so many ways... I wish he'd had some left for himself. He truly was a gift to so many people. Thank you very much! Long John: It does my very soul good to see your name, dear sailor... Thank you very much!! Jo: You honor me greatly... thank you so much! |
||
|
bel1e Senior Member
since 2006-07-24
Posts 1631 |
Oh my....this is so moving.... |
||
|
Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Indeed a tribute so very well written and true. well done sweety |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Bel1e: Thank you so very much!! Toerag: WooHOO!!! It's sure good to see your name here!! Thank you so much!!! |
||
|
miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
a very moving write; He was a truly a marvel, so giving of his talents and spirit. He will be sorely missed. miscellanea |
||
|
JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
fine words for Robin...james |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
