The caring clown

By Sr. Marie Clarkson, O.L.M.
Summer 2002

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

the caring clown
can touch a heart
that’s skeptical

The claring clown, Cathy Betsworth, a pastoral care volunteer at Toronto East General Hospital, shares her joy with Sr. Marie Clarkson, a member of the hospital’s pastoral team.

what is it
that moves my heart
is it the smile
behind the smile

how can a clown
dare to come face to face
with my pain

is it the respect that waits
for my permission
that senses the right time
before waving
“Hi”

perhaps it’s the common bond
of humanness that knows
of its weakness
but more that knows
its strength
and so can believe in mine

is it the wit
to lighten that part
which is after all
light

what matters
the shape of my nose
the colour of my toes
are these my woes

me thinks it’s the inner
spirit that gives voice
to the firm belief
“a smile is a prayer
laughter a miracle”

to move through the layers
and deep recesses
of my heart
and in an instant
to glimpse the child within
to free the inner child

surely this is the joy
of the caring clown

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article