Once a week in elementary school
The art teacher
Would bring her cart into the classroom.
On a particular art lesson
She painted an example of a clown
Smiling. Colorful.
Reds and whites and blues.
In turn we were told to paint our own.
I sat and stared at my paint and paper
While the other kids started.
I was always so unsure of myself, overthinking.
I looked around at my classmates
Paintings.
They were all copying the art teachers example.
I remember thinking it was strange,
All the same.
So i proceeded to paint
With
Black, blue and gray,
A frowning clown with a dead flower in
His hat.
( looking back now, I laugh))
Mine clashed with the rest.
And they were all placed on display in the hallway all bright, except one looking quite out of sorts.
A sad sorry clown surrounded
By
Bright and happy ones.
The school contacted my parents and
Thought perhaps they should seek counseling for me.