Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CLOWN (02/13/20)
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TITLE: A Fool's Legacy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Brand
02/20/20 -
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He approached the house in full disguise. Orange hair, floppy shoes, oversized multi-colored clothes masked the insecurity of his character. How could he ever overcome the loss and despair of this past year and still try to bring humor and smiles to those inside?
The address of the residence was unfamiliar which added to his insecurity. A neighborhood of this magnitude and affluence further enhanced his insignificance. A last-minute prayer before ringing the doorbell strengthened him enough to continue.
“Squeak, squeak, Hello!” his pink nose sounded with a few quick squeezes as the door opened.
Twenty excited little humans danced merrily about as they saw his costume. Too young to recognize a mere man inside the costume, their minds envisioned fun, games, entertainment, and laughs. Gathering in the living room, the eager children sat on the expensive carpeted floor.
His embarrassment at his surroundings grew and threatened to paralyze his mind preventing him to respond as he should. But, the show had to go on.
“Good day to you all!” he said as he tripped over his outsized black shoes. In so doing, a nearby table lamp threatened to crash to the floor but he managed to grab it before it fell. The children laughed at his clumsiness, thinking it was part of the act.
Sweat trickled down his armpits. Fear and panic set in. What was he doing? He felt so mundane and inadequate!
He turned to the children and caught the eye of the homeowner who quickly hid their concern at the almost catastrophe. Regaining his posture, he surveyed the watching group while placing his hands on his hips.
In autopilot, he turned his frown into a toothless grin and began his practiced set of antics, mimes, and gestures to the squealing delight of his audience. Balloon figures and unexpected popping sounds brought shouts of mirth. The orphans experienced the love of an artist, at one with his craft. His grief frozen heart softened with the responsive attention and familiar act he had practiced for years.
The enthusiastic accolades at the finalé boosted his confidence and dispelled the gloom of his heart. A substantial tip evidenced a job done well with more opportunities to follow. He was back on top of his game.
And now sitting here, he washed off the greasepaint, and a satisfied brightened smile curved his lips as he remembered his wife’s last words to him before she left this world.
“You are the light to my eyes. You are God’s gift to me. Go and be God’s gift to children. Bring the light of laughter to their eyes and merriment to their hearts.”
Those who have known the greater depths of despair will also know the greater heights of happiness.
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Nicely done,
Blessings~
Blessings~