I have had a gift, for a considerable while

The blessing of making others smile

It gives me joy to think this true

That your problems seem less, as I talk to you

It started early when I was at school

I was always bright, but more played the fool

When friends wanted to grieve a lesser mark

I was the most preferred shoulder in the park

My ebullient state led others believe

Nothing can happen, that this man shall grieve

When there were times myself, I needed to vent

Could anyone suffice? I was always the ‘angel sent’

So disappointment forgot to pause my face

Failures were buried without a trace

Making others laugh became my sole desire

And cheerful disposition overcame passionate fire

The lilt of your laugh still rings in my head

When your eyes sparkled, my blood turned red

Was it some cruel joke from up above?

That a clown wasn’t supposed to find love?

You went away; I could only sport a grin

Had to be a man and take it on the chin

But night past night, I frantically awoke

Not all that I had told you was a joke

I moved on in life, one had to play

This game on earth, it’s going to be a long stay

Everyone assumed ‘he is fine and merry’

The truth though was a touch more scary

When things go wrong I often ask?

How long can I keep up this theatric mask?

Tears seem to have forgotten their arduous way

And a perennial smile looks set for a long stay

The moods are down, they look at me

To say something that might set them free

Grief and sorrow are tenants that worry

And most people want to see them leave in a hurry

Making others smile sometimes makes it better

My own pent up emotion at times it does unfetter

But even a clown can’t live in the morbid fear

That’s things would change if he were to shed a tear