Joyous sounds of the tinker toys
A giggle and a shout comes here and there
As innocent children’s hearts are filled with, oh, the simplest of joys.
Everything is set into place with effortless care.
Cotton candy machines spin brightly colored goodies forever
And far off in the distance a clown’s merry laugh rings.
When asked if they want to leave, a child replies “Never!”
Oh, if only they knew what the night brings.
The crowds are thinning, but there’s one child left.
He stands, gazing at the lighted, large ferris wheel,
And is oblivious that he’ll soon be victim to the most vile theft.
He watches the lights, the sudden rush of cold; he does not feel.
The boy’s gaze flickers and he’s brought back to reality.
With a rush of panic he realizes the dark has snuck in;
He knows that his amazement was a subtle formality.
Taking a deep breath, he feels that his trials are about to begin.
The same clown’s laugh echoes through the dark abyss,
Only this time it’s sound is less merry, and more frightening.
Rush of blood; surely his parents will realize something’s amiss,
And this single thought gives his heart a slight enlightening.
A cackle to his left; he jumps to his right.
His sight is set on what he feels is close;
A colorful character stands out in the black of night.
Nothing in this new face holds anything morose.
The wind picks up, and dust is ruefully blown.
The boy turns to run, his fright finally letting him go,
And onto his instincts he tactfully begins to hone.
This is beginning to be one hell of a show.
The clown in his footsteps, the boy runs until
His legs ache with desperation
And then farther still.
He is not ready for his untimely destruction.
Looking behind him, he sees not a soul,
But looking back in front, he collides with the one
That’s followed him from here to there; held him under their control.
He realizes now that his pain and fear has only just begun.
The figure of a clown stands forever blocking his way.
Its attire so mockingly joyous and free,
The boy thinks Why, oh why this day,
Did this have to be?
An epiphany; a thought,
The boy tries to be brave –
Even if his fears are all but forgotten…
He refuses to be anyone’s slave.
The clown sees the humor and cocks his painted head to the side.
In all his mockery, he smiles at the boy,
Pulling his painted lips wide.
This clown seems to be everlastingly coy.
Standing tall, the boy refuses all fear.
Taking hold of his emotions,
He demands that defiance is something he shall not hear!
Surely, the clown would be taken aback by such devotion.
And indeed, he was.
With a small step to the side, the grin still in place,
The clown bends at the side – what’s this? A bow?
Yes, a bow, you’ve won this race!
Don’t think about it boy! Now – make haste – now!
With a shudder of fear and a glare towards the happy clown,
The boy takes off – far and away
Heading back to the safety of his town.
I wonder if he’ll make it to the break of day…
Author notes
Option 1
Something about this picture really inspired me, although I don't really know if my piece did it much justice. Definitely not my best piece, but I did work hard on it!
A contest entry
- OPTIONS - Come and see!!!! PW ARE ALLOWED - by mystic-angel.
900 points, ended May 19, 20 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
-
This is a great take on the picture. I love the creepiness of this piece and the way you've left it with a bit of a cliffhanger ending - does he make it home or not? Well written. Thanks for your entry and good luck.
-
-
Thank you!
-
-
wow... that was pretty interesting... i hate clowns, so it was a bit freaky for me. lol. its good that the boy got away... temperarily... i hope he makes it. poor boy. if that would have ever happend to me, i would have shit my pants... seriously... i would not have been able to stand there and act brave, i would be like, oh shit, ima die now. haha... hi mean clown. *LOUD SCREAM* love you!
Adding your comment:
