Overview

"Two worlds, one real and the other make-believe, coexist in GRIT, a poetry chapbook with photographs chronicling the life of Janis Luke Roberts and her alter ego, Clancey the Clown. From imaginary playmates to fans grieving at her funeral, these poems offer a glimpse of how one woman overcame dyslexia and depression to pursue her passion. Friends, family, Janis and even her clown shoes team to tell the story. A hometown performer befriended by a Ringling clown, Janis delighted audiences with singing telegrams and award-winning skits in classrooms and hospitals, at festivals, and on the White House lawn. She also taught clown character development to fellow joeys across the United States. Early in her career, Janis created Smileville, a town where ""when it rains, it rains ribbons and children can take cotton candy carpet rides."" Clancey became its mayor. When facing struggles, Janis escaped into that alternate universe to cheer and encourage others. She also confronted the fear some people have of clowns, including a few of her own family members. Written by her older sister in different forms, styles and voices, this honest and heart-warming collection captures the human spirit at work and vividly portrays the resilience of a creative mind."

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9781646622764

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A moving tribute to a sister's life and legacy, Karen Luke Jackson's Grit allows a community to love and grieve a woman whose laughter and silliness charmed children and unprepared adults, from school cafeterias to state conventions to the White House lawn. In the voices of friends, family, and Janis/Clancy herself, these impressive poems share the passion and challenges of a performer who confesses I needed a clown's heart / to hold this world's despair and ecstasy. --Dr. Kenneth Chamlee, Professor Emeritus, Brevard College, author of Absolute Faith and Logic of the Lost Grit, a fascinating sequence of clown poems, is arresting, lively and a great read. It dovetails with the current interest in popular culture in clown figures, making it a timely publication. Karen's poetry is a joy to read. --Tina Barr, author of Green Target, winner of Barrow Street Prize and Brockman-Campbell Award Hey Everybody! Mayor Clancey's greeting resonates in these poems and stories shared through her sister, Karen Luke Jackson. Their life strings will wrap around your heart and transport you to a world that was never make believe. --Theresa Garrett, Pinky the Clown With narrative intensity and compassionate lyrical language, Karen Luke Jackson's poems take us inside a world of rainbows and crayoned hearts. Part tribute, part exploration, they delve beneath the clown costume and laughter into the heart of a complex woman. --Pat Riviere-Seel, author of Nothing Below But Air and The Serial Killer's Daughter

Author Information

During her life, Karen Luke Jackson has worn many names: educator, convener of circles, grandmother, Spunky the Clown, and storyteller/poet. A native of South Georgia, she currently resides on a goat pasture in Western North Carolina where she writes and companions people on their spiritual journeys.

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