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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Sad Clown



by pansyredbooties.deviantart.com


Little girl,
laughing so loud
with tears in your eyes,
playing the clown
hides the pain for a time,
till you are alone
with yourself
and can barely survive
the look in your eyes,
above that pasted-on smile.

 At Real Toads, Kay's Sunday Mini-Challenge is : Bring in the Clowns, an Emotional Challenge. Took me back to my teen years when I was a mass of secret pain, but played the clown to keep everyone laughing. Do check out the other offerings at Real Toads. There are always wonderful responses to these prompts at Toads.
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32 comments:

  1. Kay L. DaviesMarch 16, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    So sad, Sherry.
    I'm not surprised you're the first submitter (after me). I put mine in first because it answers your question (no, no negative experience with clowns in childhood, just a natural aversion).
    Thanks for being there.
    Hoping others will participate.
    K

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  2. asteria's canvassMarch 16, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    this is indeed tough prompt,but sherry has painted the picture in broad and vivid strokes..

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  3. Maude LynnMarch 16, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    This is so sad!

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  4. MaryMarch 16, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    Ah, we all find ways to survive those adolescent years, don't we? Well expressed.

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  5. LLM CallingMarch 16, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    so sad, and the picture is heartbreaking

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  6. SusanMarch 16, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Yes, it is true. Whether we use white face or not, we are often compelled to hide and grin and bear it.

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  7. LolamouseMarch 16, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    I always wonder whether clowns are sad inside. Sort of like comedians. Nice job with a tough prompt, Sherry!

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  8. GraceMarch 16, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    The picture is perfect for your words...so sad to see those pasted on smile ~ Good work on the prompt Sherry ~

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  9. FireblossomMarch 16, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    Aw. :-/

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  10. AnonymousMarch 16, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  11. PanchaliMarch 16, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    Ah, this is such a touching piece, Sherry!!It does appear that depression can wear many masks...sad:(
    Beautifully penned!

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  12. Kerry O'ConnorMarch 17, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    I have come across many children just like this in my line of work.

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  13. kelvin s.m.March 17, 2013 at 1:53 AM

    i am a clown
    who will travel a mile
    to ease your frown
    by giving ye smile

    i am a clown, yes,
    i will travel a mile
    to ease my frown
    oh, by giving ye smile

    ...life of a clown is meant to make one happy the same way as he fills the sadness stuck within the painted face... smiles...

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  14. Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost March 17, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    I was something of a class clown throughout school. It was definitely smiling to hide the pain that I was actually feeling inside.

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  15. SreejaMarch 17, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    so touching....

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  16. MarianMarch 17, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    OMG Sherry, you need to delete that spam comment above, it feels VERY WRONG on this post, argh! argh.
    your poem is so touching and true. it immediately took me to a very young and vulnerable place. exactly right.
    it's the Emmett Kelly clown, the tragic hobo clown, that slays me. i don't understand why that's funny at all.

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  17. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 17, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    So sorry some of you had to read that ghastly spam comment. Just discovered it this morning. Some people.

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  18. anthonynorthMarch 17, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Sad but beautiful words for a heartbreaking picture.

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  19. MoonieMarch 17, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    You convey the hidden emotions behind A constructed smile - well

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  20. HerotomostMarch 17, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Too many sad clowns in this world. the only saving grace is many grow up to be strong women, the kind that can recognize this kind of pain and ease the sadness even if only for little while. Great writing Sherry.

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  21. Brother OllieMarch 17, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    I'm a comedian, but am recovering.

    Your poem rings true.

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  22. PeggyMarch 17, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    Excellent prompt to what to me is a challenging prompt. Hugs for your sadness.

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  23. Jennifer WagnerMarch 17, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Oh this went right to my heart. Poignantly told Sherry.

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  24. Susie ClevengerMarch 18, 2013 at 12:53 AM

    So sad when a precious young one has to hide behind the face of a clown to hide pain. Such a heartfelt poem

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  25. kaykualaMarch 18, 2013 at 5:46 AM

    We often have children whose maturity are beyond their ages. They are the ones who can create and maintain a balanced feel within a group. Glad you did just that, Sherry! Nicely!

    Hank

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  26. Anunoy SamantaMarch 18, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    hi Sherry, you just said that you don't like clowns right...? :)
    loved your short but touchy words... and now I'm thinking of writing one on this subject :)
    Keep Rhyming...
    Cheers :)

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  27. LauraMarch 18, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    my heart blesses those long ago tears, hidden behind a mask dear Sherry.

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  28. LauraMarch 18, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    my heart blesses those long ago tears, hidden behind a mask dear Sherry.

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  29. Mystic_MomMarch 18, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Hugs you. Hiding behind the self imposed clown is a hard and sad place to be. So well written.

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  30. EllaMarch 18, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    Now I can hear this song in my head:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPtK5V5wKz0

    Hugs to your inner child! xo

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  31. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Sherry, isn't this the truth you have written? The class clown is usually the most depressed kid in school. That pic was perfect, but it was your words, describing me and you and so many others, kidding, jibing, anything but telling anyone about the pain. BRILL, my dear. Love, Amy
    http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/03/17/five-years-old-first-circus/

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  32. Myrna R.March 19, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    Before reading your comment, I sensed this was about yourself. Though those were rough times, I think they contributed toward making you the sensitive and compassionate woman you are today. You no longer need to be the clown, you're real.

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