•
I am the sad little clown
with the frowning face
the round red nose
and the great big tear
this meek facade
and silly sham
belie the horror
that I engineer
life’s dealt me cold
my hand is slack
not a queen
no king nor ace
the violence
that dwells within
is masked behind
my woeful face
no one suspects
the evil soul
that festers deep
in this funny fool
they know not
the monster in me
the gentle sheen
conceals the cruel
they don’t realize
a broken heart
a ruined life
makes one quite mad
they simply see
the pitiful
and painted face
that looks so sad
the shaggy coat
the baggy pants
the red suspenders
the big white glove
they do not know
it hides the hand
that choked the life
and killed their love
town after town
state after state
bodies mount
in the circus’ wake
in the dead of night
at the dark of moon
in frenzied fever
each life I take
each beautiful
each innocent
each unaware
that they would die
there will be more
on the road ahead
one for every tear
you made me cry
when the circus comes
and the tents go up
the people cheer
in each sleepy town
‘cause in their ignorance
what they don’t know
who’s really come
is the killer clown
• • •
Okay… that’s right out of John Carpenter. Creepy stuff.
The clown is certainly an enigma. You’ve woven quite a compelling piece about the inner pain and violence beneath the surface.
Your poem makes me think of why clowns can be so frightening.
I KNEW those clowns were no right! I just knew it! Great poem – gave me shivers.
Rob, this is a shocker! I’m trying to believe the clown is not what he says he is, but your poem is too convincing. I like the way you play with language, and would like to hear you read this aloud.
ViV
Rob, I must tell you this is fantastic. I hate clowns and am not a fan of the circus. I fear what lies behind those clown faces. You are right on track with this poem.Its stark images makes my spine tingle .
Melanie
WEll, this is just perfect for me…I have always been horribly creeped out by clowns! It really gave me the “heebie-jeebies”!
I enjoyed the ride, thanks. With your title, I did not expect a killer! Initially, I felt bad for him….guess I still do, but ew. Serial killing clowns…they have to be out there. hmmm-
Reminds me of “The Devil in the White City.” Kind of.
I hate clowns. Now you made it much more apparent for me as to why. Good one.
Pamela
Clown as serial killer. Nicely done, Rob!
Hi Rob–glad to find you here and to read your poems again — this is a good one!
so, i was like, “i really don’t understand why people are afraid of clowns.” um, now i get it!