Fool For You

“You don't need to make 'em laugh. You just need to make 'em smile,” Cleo Patter told the solemn assembly. We were seated in a circle, absorbed in the task of learning our clown names. As Cleo Patter's mentor, Misty presided. Not once did she utter the word sacred, yet reverence overtook her as she spoke of the deep proddings that would, should we permit them, allow our clown names to bubble up from within us. She turned to each person and asked, “What is your name?”

“You are a natural jester,” Misty said. “Story, song, physical humor, and wit: yes, a jester. Maybe these words will help you. Give it some time.”

[From Dreams To Believe In: Stories and Songs
by Janine Lehane]

This artwork is watercolor pencil on paper.