Ben loved helping children grow spiritually within the church it had become somewhat addictive to him, so when he started to see them loose interest in his classes he was totally distraught. He knew that his lesson’s would require modification in order to keep their interest. Ben’s saving grace came when he had come across a book entitled ‘The Art of the Pantomime’ in which new ideas sprung forth into his brain.

His face lit up with excitement as he made several notes and stayed up several hours into the night designing new material for the children. Slowly he found his way to bed and dreamed of how happy he would make the young ones, and how much further his teachings would bring these young minds to spiritual understanding.

He rehearsed his ‘performance’ over and over again in his mind and also alone in his own room. Ben continued to delve into the book for tips and tricks, sometimes ancient performers would use white face paint, bright clothing and some even went as far as to dye their hair for added comical appearance.

When he finally had perfected his presentation, he ran the final ideas by his superior; who was all together un-amused. Ben had in his excitement forgotten one small detail when it came to his presentation and this of course was pointed out by his boss.

A gruff older man with a gray beard stared down at him with condescending eyes “You are going to put on a circus show and become a church clown then?”. Ben’s eyes filled with disbelief and tears welled up on the edges of his eyelids.

Ben realized what this meant and his voice carried a meek tone ‘I understand Father Kyle.’ He hung his head and shuffled off down the hall to his classroom. Today’s lesson was just not the same as he had envisioned it, and the children barely stayed awake for the whole thing. At this point Ben knew what must be done.

Ben’s passion would be realized , it wasn’t so much that he wanted to be a clown. It was that he wanted the children to need him, as he had desired their company. Up to know he had enjoyed being a teacher to the young ones, but it was their laughter that was a stimulant to him.

Their happiness was intoxicating and emboldened him, it almost seemed to energize his own soul; strangely enough when they laughed it was like they were giving off a youthful energy. Laughter and happiness seemed to be the only way to get them to produce it, his mind raced to devise ways to harness more of it.

That night he made up some brightly colored flyers. If the church would not let him entertain the children in his own way. He would have to take matters into his own hands. His plans included a full disguise, maybe the art of the clown was the way to go after all.

Finally, some packages he’d ordered online had arrived, he opened all the boxes and looked through all the boxes with a crazed excitement. He couldn’t help but apply a little of the make up; it felt natural, almost second nature. Had he missed his true calling?

Sunday came and Ben spent his time talking to the children about a special performance that they could come to that night at his house. ‘We are having a pizza party and a very special guest will be there as well’. He told them. All of a sudden their faces were lit up with smiles. Ben felt the warmth of their youthful energy, he smiled at the thought of having more that night.

After his class let out, he went straight home to prepare. He set up a small set of red curtains and several little chairs in rows. All the details were set, except one. His costume. It was time to put on his make up and outfit, Ben rushed to the bathroom to prepare.

He began by applying the white cream to his entire face, it made him feel pure and clean almost like a blank canvas with which he could work. Ben took out the red color and drew an exaggerated smile around his own. ‘Those kids will never know what hit them’ he giggled to himself.

Ben applied blue makeup around his eyes and made little stars on his cheeks with the same color, he had finished his face and now it was time for the infamous red nose. It fit perfectly. He grinned as he donned the final piece, a neon green wig.

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