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Is this just a story about a Hobo or a poem of sorts, maybe both? Please C/C?

The Hobo's Successful Failure

I have been a loafer for most of my laid back life,

with little time for friends and no time for a wife.

Oh, The afflictions of responsibility, how does one endure?

Such a terrible waist of youth, why should I mature?

I have no fear of failure, I own nothing as my proof.

I never need to sweep the floor or patch a leaky roof.

I can come and go when I damn well please or hit the dusty trail,

then on occasions, I get a free vacation at the local jail.

On my favorite bench, one day, as I lay a napping,

I was rudely awakened by a tap, tap, tapping.

A brand new sign on the old oak tree,

so I walked on over, what could it be?

"Attention all children, both young and old, The Big Top Circus is coming to town,

They would be here soon, in a matter of days, just down the rode at the old fair ground.

"With Lions, Tigers and Trapeze flyers, Elephants, Clowns and Shows on the Side,

Popcorn, Peanuts, Cotton Candy and more; every kind of fun that's ever been tried."

On closer inspection of the very last line,

"Looking to hire local talent, if you're so inclined."

All I have to do is make people laugh?,

Folk laughing on my behalf?

Well, these same people have always laughed at me;

There wasn't much difference as far as I could see.

When the circus showed up, I met the Ring Master.

One quick glance, he knew; I was who he was after.

He shook my hand, said "every one just calls me Bob,

You've come dressed like a Hobo, so you've got the job."

Well, Thank you kindly Sir, I'll do my best.

Imagine that, Me, dressed for success!

I hear the crowd roar inside the big top tent.

A sip from the bottle, I didn't waste on rent.

With that shot of courage, my courage was up,

I wanted to cheer them, with my true makeup.

They were just folks, looking to dodge life for awhile,

now's the time for the clown, with the big fake smile.

As I step into the ring I slip on a big pile of dung,

couldn't go on for my ankle had sprung.

Doubts descend upon all of my Hopes,

again, I find success, backed up to the ropes.

No sound of laughter, not a single grin;

Fate has decided, I should not win.

I'm not at all angry, not at all blue,

for fate knows me well, I know it's true.

Hiding behind this fake smiley face,

is my real, honest, smiling face.

For I understand my true success;

Is to know how to live with no distress.

The irony of this humorous letdown;

That a real Hobo has failed as a clown.

12 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I never did feel like most clowns were happy..

    or ice cream truck drivers either.

    This is a classic, it deserves to be in a more accessible place for people to enjoy.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    Ah....Mr. Ripple.

    You are one, like me, that believes that "success if failure turned inside out"

    That you gain strength by weakness, and tear of the facade and dig deep

    to the heart.

    This to me is your best piece yet. Very vivid work of introspection of ones life.

    You have managed to write this in a narrative prose yet employ a rhyme pattern

    as well. A worthy effort I believe this hobo succeeded at.

    I love how you call this a "Hobo." That term most folks probably don't even know

    what a Hobo is....he he

    Congrats

  • 8 years ago

    Mr. Ripple, this is a very good story poem I understood it and enjoyed the read

    I can't remember the 60s dee's lol but elysabet sure can lol .

    Now I'm singing Bring on the Clowns

    On Yap Poetry it should be 'Bring On the Clones ' LOL heheheheheg

  • 8 years ago

    A story poem and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. A touch sad but entertaining. Thank you

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    Different and more focused, yet just as thoughtful as your other writes.

    I think this might well be a Spoken Poem..you on the stage

    reading your own poetry .

    9

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    The rhyming is excellent and the poem flows well, but there were a few snags am raising for consideration and see what you think?

  • 8 years ago

    It's all there, success, failure, humour etc..

    A great piece of writing from beginning to end...

  • 8 years ago

    Story poem with enough to keep this reader interested. I liked the ending as it brought it back around.

  • 8 years ago

    This purt near says it all, Mr. Ripple.

    Your name...is that patterned after the wine we used to drink in the 60s?

    hehehehehehheheeeeee....pretty good stuff.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    8 years ago

    this is a good poem but sad, if one looks deeper

    it is human despair at its finest., at a point where

    your character just doesn't give a *amn anymore

    this type of freedom costs..good work

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