To make them cry

Takes onions.

It takes insight

To make them laugh.

This is why Clowns have the power

To frighten small children.

Their ancestors are priests,

    Avatars

Of old wandering gods,

Tricksters who bring fire

    And words

And pratfalls and cross-dressing

And true-tricks on the stodgy

Who take themselves

Too seriously.

7/27/00