A TRAINED CLOWN

Photo by S. Auberle

A TRAINED CLOWN

Smile though your heart is aching.

               ~- Charlie Chaplin

She trained, you know

as a clown, says my friend

as if that made Sophie's life

all bright fun and merriment

untouched by sorrows

like the rest of us.

I wonder is Sophie happier

because she's the real thing

instead of we who fake it

with garish red smiles  

and sad eyes holding back

all those lakes of tears

     except for one painted drop

     trickling down our pallid faces.