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Saturday, March 16, 2013

I'm afraid of them, why aren't you?


I’ve always been afraid of clowns
although one’s never harmed me
instead of facing just one clown
I’d rather face the army—

I dislike slapstick comics, too,
I just don’t think it’s funny
when someone else goes fall-down-boom
and lands upon his fanny.

yes, clowns can really terrify,
it’s verified by media
yes, by today’s most trusted source
none less than Wikipedia

coulrophobia's what it's called
although I can't pronounce it
sometimes I'm tempted to uprise
and thoroughly denounce it

let's rid the world of this disease
let's rid the world of clowns
remove them from the streets and trees
from cities and from towns

Photos by Richard Schear, February, 2013, Barcelona, Spain

Posted for my weekend prompt 
at the online writers' group


25 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

Haha! I love the way you have carried the comical element into your poem, Kay. You have made excellent use of rhyme too.

asteria's canvass said...

thats a strong emotions coming for clowns,most of the time such strong reaction comes from some past experience..intense..

Sherry Blue Sky said...

The clowns with sad eyes and smiling mouths must confuse the children! I enjoyed this, Kay, and the prompt, too! Still thinking......

Phil Slade said...

I didn't know there was a phobia word for it Kay but thanks for "coulrophobia". Does that include a phobia about twitchers who are also sad clowns? But perhaps we need a new word for that - over to you. Still waiting for the bird pics. Happy weekend.

Grace said...

I am afraid of clowns too Kay ~

But sometimes they make children happy, so I am okay with that ~

Thanks for the new word too ~

Maude Lynn said...

This is hilarious! I detest clowns.

Mara said...

I don't mind clowns. I hate magicians though. I know I am being conned and just can't see it! Awful!

Leslie: said...

If these are your thoughts, I think you've done an amazing writing job. Even as a child, I did not like the cartoons that came on before the main feature and would shut my eyes and wait until they were over. I wasn't afraid of them, but I just simply hated them and thought them to be the ultimate in stupidity! And I was only about 6 years old when I remember thinking that. Clowns, too, don't make me laugh - I just cringe at their stupidity!

LLM Calling said...

brilliant, I love this poem. I have to say though, I love the specialized clowns which mime, they're quiet and understated and cool.

Susan said...

A passionate piece made into a parade chant of its own with rhyme and rhythm! If I were a shrink, I would try to take you back to your earliest memory of fear of clowns. I don't understand generic clowns myself, though I have made one of my own that is the shy me (and I know she would make you giggle). But those tall puppets I LOVE. This is a great prompt Kay, facing your fears.

Fran said...

Great poem and perfectly gets across the sentiment about clowns and their grotesque looks xxx

Rita Odeh said...

Although I am fond of clowns because I see them as metaphors and not real humanbeings, I enjoyed your poem. It flows very well . Your attitude is very well stated. Thanks for sharing.

Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost said...

I like slapstick comedy, I must confess. Most clowns creep me out. However, the American Indian clowns are less frightening and more evocative. I grew up in New Mexico and we used to go to the pow-wows on Friday night.

Marian said...

hahah! love this poem, Kay. you have a knack for writing about serious subjects, or not hilarious ones anyway, with a light touch and rhyme that's just perfect.

Fireblossom said...

Um...I love slapstick. Give me those misfortunes of others! ;-)

I will save you from the clowns, Kay. Just stand behind me, and they can't get you.

Herotomost said...

Evil clowns need love too....lol. so many share the same idea about clowns. I have never thought one way or another although some are mighty creepy. Great job Kay!

Panchali said...

Oh, I loved this, Kay! The clown's visceral intensity and sad insight has made this poem memorable. Kudos k!

dianasfaria.com said...

they never scared me but I could see how they could be scary - especially if a clown catches one by surprise.

Ebie said...

I remember the song, send in the clowns.

Peggy said...

Yes indeed you do NOT like clowns! This is a unique prompt and I am enjoying reading the responses. Makes me realize I have seen very few clowns.

Susie Clevenger said...

Love it! I am not a clown fan either!!

Anunoy Samanta said...

Although I differ with your views I enjoyed your lines :)
Keep Rhyming...
Cheers :)

Mystic_Mom said...

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Ella said...

Well done Kay! I had one clown scare in a haunted house a couple of years ago. I was going to write about, but feared I would scare you more~
YOU did a great job with this one!
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Kay, I know the correct term is coulnophobia, but I call it Bozophobia, and it's been with me since childhood. I never thought they were funny, and some are outright skeevy!! Love your dedication to one of my least favorite subjects, and they get a jab in mine, too... Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/03/17/five-years-old-first-circus/