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Wrung Out

An Ekphrastic Sonnet

By D. J. ReddallPublished about a year ago 1 min read
Edward Hopper, "Soir Bleu," 1918

After the bedlam of the circus ends

Forensic analysis must begin

Upon fleecing the rubes, our life depends

Did we, to each face, bring a happy grin?

With a cigarette and a glass of wine

The sorry soul of a clown can be soothed

Strangers might find my strange garb asinine

But by a sad joke, the mood can be smoothed

Making others laugh can warm one's own heart

If the ludic circuit is closed and warm

But if one is laughed at, fond thoughts depart

Even a willing sacrifice feels harm

Under the maquillage, mad and mocking

Gloomy resentment is slowly stalking

Ekphrastic

About the Creator

D. J. Reddall

I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.

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Comments (7)

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  • Cathy holmesabout a year ago

    Even the clown cries sometimes. Well done.

  • 𝓗𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓪about a year ago

    I like how you shows the contrast between the joy clowns bring to others and the sadness they often hide. It’s a nice reminder that sometimes the people who make us laugh are struggling too.

  • D.K. Shepardabout a year ago

    Thus my fear of clowns and mascots...Wonderfully wrought, D.J.! Had to look up "maquillage" so thank you for a great read and vocabulary lesson!

  • This was so poignant. Ludic was a new word for me. Loved your poem. Also, I miss your "i" jokes hahahahhahhhaha

  • Kodahabout a year ago

    This was stunning, DJ! Love your poem! 🌟💌

  • Komalabout a year ago

    It’s a poignant reminder that even those who bring joy often carry their own hidden weight. Deeply moving and thought-provoking!

  • sleepy draftsabout a year ago

    "Even a willing sacrifice feels harm." Ain't that the truth. Beautifully done again, DJ. 💕

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