Counting the Stars

PIERROT

July 7, 2006
© Fred Dumpling. Redistribution is prohibited.

Wearing this façade has become exhausting,
But as the show is almost done,
I don't quite want to remove it.

It's rooted deep in my soul.
You wouldn't recognize me
without it to make me whole.

Still, as the day draws to a close,
I wash the paint off my face.
I go onstage to fight my losing battle
and cry.

The audience doesn't know how real the tears are.

Are you listening?
Are you watching?
This is my solo act,
and I can't handle it.
Are you listening?
Are you watching?
I juggle separate worlds,
and they crash at my feet.

The crowd boo's me off the stage,
but I'm too far gone for rage.

Still, as the day draws to a close,
I wash the paint off my face.
I walk offstage, having lost my battle,
and cry.

I'm not clowning around anymore.