Clown
his bare stripped naked face
stares right back at him
through the speckled mirror
he digs into his reserves
vaguely recalling the imprint
in his obscure memory

his appendage
almost like clockwork
proceeds to disguise him
plastering his caricature with clay
thick blood rouge
encircles his cheeks
final touch - orange wig, red rubber nose

cue - applause, lights and cheers
(music "the entertainer")
possessed, he waddles
hands tucked in pockets of
his big baggy polka-dotted pants
he gets through his routine
the children are ecstatic

lights fall, curtains down
take a bow
his caricature effects
a thousand smiles

dressing room, speckled mirror
unveiling the face
that brings a thousand smiles
poignant