Clowning Around

When Joey Miller auditioned as a clown for the Magic Circus, he performed his act with a huge smile, his basket of props, and comedic delight. The ringmaster loved him, but told him he couldn’t use another happy clown. Instead, he needed a frown clown. Someone the audience would show empathy. Could he do that? If so, return the next day with a new act.

Joey knew he could be a frown clown, but it was his natural spirit to be happy and make others feel happy. To be a frown clown he’d have to use his gift, as his father would say. But it really wasn’t a gift. It was pure torture. The Miller family were sensitives. They could absorb unhappiness from other people, with a handshake, a hug, or just a brush of shoulders in a crowd. However, Joey would be unhappy; the unbearable pain from strangers turned him sullen making his eyes leak with tears even if it was only temporary.

The next day Joey came back dressed as a sad-sack in blue stripes. His act included an oversized spoon and bowl without food. His face was sad and pitiful the way a frown clown should look who seeks something to eat. His costume appeared frayed and stitched together with patches. This morning he had touched many people at a soup kitchen. The ringmaster was impressed with his performance.

“That was wonderful and so real.” The ringmaster gushed his approval. “I would like you to begin traveling with the Magic Circus.”

“Thank you, sir; I want to make the audience happy.”

“You are the best frown clown I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ll do my best to take their despair away.” Joey meant every word.

He accepted, knowing there would be soup kitchens wherever they set up the tents.


Word Count: 300