Clowning Down

The colors of flowing water

Gives the illusion

Of a rainbow waterfall.

 

But the truth is blurred

Beneath a cascading stream,

With everyone blinded to the fact

It comes from a river’s downfall.

 

Over the edge is just a circus act

When the smile is painted on,

Until your juggling

Balls from a cannon

Causing the weight of the world

To be an elephant sitting on your lungs

While stealing peanuts

From your throat.

 

So whenever you decide to joke around

In hopes of forsaking

Someone’s misery,

Remember that the clown

Is just a poor man’s jester.

Reviews

[David Scott]

Kings and queens still have to go to the quiet of their misery when the jester is done with his show... How then should we expect to need less, or more?
You mirror the contrasting conditions of the human heart here very well. You do it with the ease of clowning around and the certainty of weighty thoughts behind the levity.
Thank you for sharing your poetry here.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you for reading and sharing your insightful thoughts.

[DIVYA]

The first two stunning verses just took my breath away. This poem comes with a profound message, just like all your amazing writing does. You deserve accolades. ♥

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Awe Divya how you warm my heart and make me blush.

[DIVYA]

I am glad my words could give you the joy that you so truly deserve :)♥

[andrew mitchell]

so much of life,so many roads, so many rivers hides behind the mask. great poem

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you again.

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

The analogy between water streams and human masks is flawless here. Indeed even light, beautiful things hold frail, dark secrets. One must never judge too fast or too harshly.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Oh you said it... thank you for expressing your insight.

[Ladysue]

wow Dale, there is so much truth in your words..very profound. Love that first verse..so descriptive as is the rest of the poem..very well done..

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Why thank you my tiny dancer for your thoughtful review.

[Ruth]

Life has so many layers of falsity...how to pierce the veil and really see - intelligently portrayed write :)

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you ever so kindly my dear sweet Poppy.

[Rita L. Sev]

You really hit the reader with this one, Dale - false illusions, suffocation, clowns... Not always what it seems, or what we want, so we and grasp at whatever joker comes along...

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you so much Rita for your kind words. Glad you liked it.

[Blue Ivory]

Damn. This really made me think. Also it reminded me of Robin Williams.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you, that is a great comparison.

[Zahra]

Interesting write.
To be an elephant sitting on your lungs
While stealing peanuts
From your throat.
Very nice. Well penned

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Thank you very much