ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

SEND IN THE CLOWNS
Maureen Clifford © The Scribbly Bark Poet


The air is hot, the tension’s real, it’s clearly written on each face
in the arena where a battle of brute strength is taking place.
A feeling almost tangible - you taste it with the dust
that’s kicked up in the bucking chutes. His bull rope he’ll adjust;
a smear of red shows on his leg – not blood just metal rust.
Man and beast locked in battle in this space.

Play the ace - send in the clowns
Send in the blokes in footy socks,
and baggy shorts - who face steers down.
Send in the clowns. Send in the clowns,


The flank mans pulled the flank strap up another notch to irritate.
The gate mans waiting for his cue to open wide the metal gate.
They’re out!! The clock is ticking will he make the eight sec ride?
He’s hanging on for grim death. Now it’s all about his pride.
He’s down the well and spinning and at last he starts to slide.
He’s hung up! Hand captured by his own weight.

Send in the clowns! Send in the clowns!
The call is heard across the grounds.

That big roan bull’s cutting up rough – rodeo clowns know how it goes;
while one detracts with lots of bluff and pirouettes near the bulls nose ,
his mate a clown of high repute has freed the bloke alright.
The bull is pawing at the ground then to the crowd’s delight
a clown is charging at the bull, who backs away in fright,
disconcerted by this bloke in funny clothes.

Send in the clowns, send in the clowns
they’ll make you laugh – might save a life.
They show no fear, make smiles from frowns.
Send in the clowns! Send in the clowns!

Made me feel like I was there Maureen. Watching not riding.
Good one,
Wazza

Thanks Wazza - glad you saw the picture

Thanks Maureen both Frank Daniel and I have both known those moments in our younger days in the rodeo circuit and bring back memories

bill williams

Well done Maureen.

Thanks Bill - that means a lot to me that you saw the picture I was trying to paint

Thank you Neville for taking the time to read and comment

I have been to a few rodeos and the rodeo clowns are just amazing.

Many a rider owes his well being to the quick actions of the rodeo clown.

You painted a very vivid picture, Maureen

Thank you Allan - I appreciate your kind comment and glad the picture was believable

I think I've only ever been to one rodeo Maureen but your poem makes me feel as if I've seen many! It really does paint the picture and take me there. I didn't expect it to be about this either when I saw the poem bore the title of such a well known song - very clever.

In old Bill's younger days they had chariot races too