The Circus Clown

[Leonie]

Terry's posting of his first award win prompted me to do the same. The very first award I received was in a beginners category of the Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts comp. Two poems were awarded - this one got a commended.

THE CIRCUS CLOWN
Leonie Parker © 2009

Billy’s mother cried the day the circus came to town.
In Billy’s childhood fantasies he played a circus clown.
He ran away from home to join the circus that first day,
determined to become a clown if he could have his way.

Billy tackled every task the circus people set.
He learned to rig the high trapeze, (without a safety net),
washed and fed the elephants, took care of the big cats,
even sold the snacks and drinks, wore many different hats.

The circus clowns were slow to invite Billy to their club,
not because he wasn’t liked, was not meant as a snub.
But circus clowns are different; they‘re a breed apart.
Billy had to prove his life long wish came from the heart.

But in time he won their admiration and support.
He became top jester in his circus world’s royal court.
Round the world his fame soon spread, he stood out from the crowd.
Billy’s now the king of clowns, his mother should be proud.

But she’s still a little sad the circus was his choice.
Billy doesn’t understand he thought she would rejoice.
He is doing what he loves; he just can’t comprehend
Her continued sadness, though she tries hard to pretend.

She manages a smile now when the circus comes to town.
The circus brings back Billy and that wipes away her frown.
She’s happy for a little while, but Billy knows she’ll cry
when they pack away the big top, and Billy says goodbye.

His mother has a photograph that Billy’s never seen,
wrapped in a faded handkerchief to keep it safe and clean;
a photo of a circus clown that she has never shown
to Billy. - It’s his father, a father never known.

[Bob Pacey]

Great poem and great story line leonie.

I enjoyed this a great deal I can see why it did so well.


Bob