Sad Little Clown

…presented as a second gracious salute to the first prompt from Big Tent Poetry

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Sad Little Clown

•

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

• • •

rob kistner © 2010

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photo from: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

13 thoughts on “Sad Little Clown”

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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-

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