To Angela, Who Is Afraid of Clowns
A POEM
Clowns are grandfathers
painted with strokes of laughter
who kiss lollipops
but never lick them.
Save your terror, child,
for snakes who talk of biting fruit
and wolves who scheme of eating girls.
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Many of Vanauken’s poems are reminiscent of Browning, Donne, the early Charles Williams, and others, in style, tone, and theme.