Big red nose and painted grin

They cheer the moment I walk in

Juggling jokes and spinning lies

They never look beyond my eyes

The children laugh, the parents sigh

But no one asks the “who” behind the “why”

And when the curtains close

I’m just a shadow in repose

Dinner for one, silence too loud

Take off the wig, escape the crowd

The mirror sees me—no applause

Just painted cracks and hidden flaws

Once I danced with stars in my eyes

Now I mime through love’s goodbyes

Her voice still echoes through my act

But joy’s a skill I learned to mask

The makeup hides the mess I’ve grown

It’s hard to cry when you’re alone

Some nights I dream I disappear

Like smoke that drifts beyond the pier

Would anyone recall my name

The jester lost behind the game

And when the curtains close

No spotlight follows where I go

No punchline left, no “see you soon”

Just one more clown beneath the moon

I smile for them, then sigh for me

The laugh is loud, but never free