I recently came across an article about Stan Laurel, of "Laurel & Hardy". It was there that I found a wonderful eulogy by Dick Van Dyke, for Stan Laurel, delivered on February 26, 1965. He recited a poem, that he had once found and sent to Laurel in a Christmas Card, and shortly after he sent it Laurel called him to tell him how much he loved it.
I find this poem inspiring and touching for those who are in the world of performance and entertainment. Those who devote their lives to lifting spirits, transporting imaginations, and making the world a little bit more sunny out, and for those who love them, enjoy!
"A Prayer for Clowns"
God bless all clowns.
Who star in the world with laughter,
Who ring the rafters with flying jest,
Who make the world spin merry on its way.
Who star in the world with laughter,
Who ring the rafters with flying jest,
Who make the world spin merry on its way.
God bless all clowns.
So poor the world would be,
Lacking their piquant touch, hilarity,
The belly laughs, the ringing lovely.
So poor the world would be,
Lacking their piquant touch, hilarity,
The belly laughs, the ringing lovely.
God bless all clowns.
Give them a long good life,
Make bright their way—they're a race apart!
Alchemists most, who turn their hearts' pain,
Into a dazzling jest to lift the heart.
God bless all clowns.
Give them a long good life,
Make bright their way—they're a race apart!
Alchemists most, who turn their hearts' pain,
Into a dazzling jest to lift the heart.
God bless all clowns.
I did some more digging and found another poem, titled "The Clown's Prayer". Unfortunately, I do not know the authors of either of these poems, but I feel fortunate to have found these beautiful words to share with you.
"The Clown's Prayer"
As I stumble through this life,
help me to create more laughter than tears,
dispense more cheer than gloom,
spread more cheer than despair.
Never let me become so indifferent,
that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child,
or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.
Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people,
make them happy, and forget momentarily,
all the unpleasantness in their lives.
And in my final moment,
may I hear You whisper:
"When you made My people smile,
you made Me smile."
help me to create more laughter than tears,
dispense more cheer than gloom,
spread more cheer than despair.
Never let me become so indifferent,
that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child,
or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.
Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people,
make them happy, and forget momentarily,
all the unpleasantness in their lives.
And in my final moment,
may I hear You whisper:
"When you made My people smile,
you made Me smile."
