Rodeo Clown/Tamara Hillman

Most times he's been a rider,
he knows the bulls so well,
he zigs an' zags around 'em
before the cowboys yell

The critter's bent on killin' him
an' the man upon his back,
that's why the clown in funny clothes
sets out to quick distract

He wears a red bandana
an' cut off Wrangler jeans,
cowboy boots up to the knee,
a polka-dot shirt of green

A big ol' hat, pulled way down low,
an' face paint, red 'n white,
he dances 'round the angry bull,
to give the crowd a fright

Folks come an' pay their money
to watch the rodeo,
an' are never disappointed
when the clown gives them a show

Clowns also are protective
of cowboys ridin' bronc's,
then, after dust is settled,
they meet in honky-tonks

It's not an' easy livin',
they're always on the road,
an' most admit it punishment
for wild-oats they have sowed

These men are always roughnecks,
where do they get the nerve
to stand in front of Brahmas,
roll in barrels, dodge 'n swerve

They represent true bravery,
let's give those clowns their due,
but when the rodeo's over

I'll sure bet they're black an' blue.© 2005, Tamara Hillman
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.