Jester: dVerse Poets Pub, Nov 15, 2017

15 Replies

 

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Jester

These tipped-up lips of wide renown
of the world’s most famous clown
are but pigment and not the man.
We know him not, for no one can.
No one assumes the painful task
of seeing what’s behind the mask.
The cloth that wipes it off each night
brings his true nature into sight,
for painted smiles are thrown away
as truth of night displaces day.
Underneath his painted mask,
he hides the truth we dare not ask.
One more day of tricks and laughter
cannot make up for what comes after.
His face, stripped down to flesh and bone,
reveals that he is all alone. 
A painted face, a made-up smile
cannot mend a lover’s guile.

For the dVerse  pub prompt.

15 thoughts on “Jester: dVerse Poets Pub, Nov 15, 2017”

  2. lillian's avatarlillian

    Wonderfully writ! I especially love these lines
    “for painted smiles are thrown away
    as truth of night displaces day.”
    These lines can refer to so many folk who “wear a mask” when with others and then wipe their face clean in the privacy of their own home/room. Food for thought.
    So glad you participated in the prompt!

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  6. Lisa or Li's avatarmsjadeli

    I think that’s why so many people don’t like clowns, they feel they are hiding something. The truth is in the eyes — and as Smokey Robinson knew, “in the tears.”

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