When I was a kid
I knew I was almost
done with my soup
when I could see
the smiling face
of a clown at the
bottom of the bowl.
***
But it was the before.
***
Knowing he was down
there, unseen. That’s
what made me worry.
Because-who knows how
long that clown
could hold its breath.
.
2.
featured reader
Chewie.
t r e f o l o g y 
Gosh. I’m still holding my breath just reading that story, Geo.
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… And release! Thanks, Bruce.
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Phew. Just in time. Thank you, G.
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A worrying point about the clown 🤡
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If I had designed that bowl the clown would be saying, “Don’t worry, kids. I can hold my breath for a long time!” Thanks, Sadje
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Yes, that would be reassuring
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Happy Birthday, Chewie!
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Chewie seems nonplussed by the whole thing. But I will pass on your regards, nevertheless. Thanks, E Sum.
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Another souper fun memory share.
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Hah! Thanks, Pam
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Boy: “Is it soup yet?”
Mom: “I’ll pour you a bowl as soon as the clown takes a deep breath and holds it.”
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I believe that is more or less what my grandmother said, too. Thanks, David!
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Eat fast, for Gods sake!!!
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I’m trying! I’m trying! Thanks, Bob
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I can’t help wondering if the clown ate some of the soup.
Happy Birthday, Chewie! :)
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Hilarious, MM. Thanks!
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The clown doesn’t have to hold its breath. It’s evil. Happy birthday, Chewie! :)
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Good point! What was I so worried about anyway? And evil or not, that clown expected me to eat all all my alphabet soup. Even the green beans! Thanks, Nancy
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In my opinion, we should see how long all clowns can hold their breath. That was a little darker than I intended. Sorry, just clowning around.
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Romper Room had it spot on when they came out with the “Punching Clown” toy. I had one but it popped. Apparently it could take a punch but not a pin prick. Thanks, fw
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Soup is one thing, but oatmeal, however, is a completely different, and usually sad story.
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Oatmeal is the clown’s greatest foe. I have always said that. Thanks, N.
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My bowl emptied in half the time because the stupid clown was eating the cereal from underneath.
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Too funny, crow. Too funny. Thanks!
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Everybody floats
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And if I remember my biology class it’s because we are all made of wood. Thanks, Jen.
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Just witches, according to Monty.
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You had a good childhood. I ate my tomato soup straight out of the can and was relieved whenever soup residue was the only thing left in the can.
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I can beat that. As a kid my grandfather would buy those Kellogg’s cereal variety Fun Packs. We would have to cut along the perforated lines on the box, fold back the flaps and then pour milk directly into the wax-paper lining inside. So, brother, I had it pretty rough, too. No, wait a moment — that was actually a pretty cool way to eat cereal. I guess you do win, Geoff. And thanks!
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I do remember those variety packs. We used to buy them at Christmas and our three sons would hold a draft and pick and trade them. But we let them use bowls, so you still win as usual!
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Oh my gosh the puppy! What was your post about again? Lol Clown soup?
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Haha! It is a really great photo. Thanks, Janny
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sweet baby pup.
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I love the look on Chewie’s face. Thanks, mk
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He is the epitome of sweetness.
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