The Sad Clown

David LaLone is a native of Lansing Michigan, where he lives with wife and two daughters. David has a degree in theology, which he thought would be used in full time pastoral ministry. This however was not the path his life would take. He wrote many of these poems while struggling to understand his role in ministry. He identifies with the persona of the Sad Clown. This clown is a marionette waiting for God to pull the strings. He is sad, and yet he is meant to make people smile. His poetry often swings along such pendulum emotions. His faith is stitched into every line. David is a lamenting prophet using his god given gift of words to paint the images that rise up from within and without. These are poems written in his late twenties. He has felt the thrill of graduation and the fear of the real world. He has started a church and watched it fall. He has invested in ministry to watch him fail. He has seen death and prayed for life from his wife's womb. David shares his life. His poetry is a window into his soul.Everyone knows that clowns are supposed to make you happy. So when as clown looks sad we are perplexed on what to do. I think this is a good image of the poetry in this book. When I wrote them I felt like I was in a sad clown season of life. This is not poetry meant to be depressing but like a sad clown it may make you a bit uncomfortable. I hope that these poems are able to impact you in a powerful way.