Sonny is an Urban Legend creator’s dream. And the latest Urban Legend he’s in for broke on is the Creepy Clown Craze sweeping the nation!
He suspects creepy clowns will be waiting for him in groups of three on the front porch when he gets home from school. Or perhaps lurking in our backyard, hidden in the shadow of a tree, just one…beckoning him to his death. And if not in the backyard, then most certainly in his bedroom, probably right around four of the ayyy em. He’ll most likely find two leaning over him just as he’s jolting himself out of a nightmare about two creepy clowns leaning over him.
So it’s no surprise as I’m driving him home from his flag football game tonight (down a very dark and tree lined street with minimal streetlights) that he says, “I always think I’m going to see clowns on this street.”
Yep. This would be the street where the clowns hang out and cause mayhem. But ok. I’m in for broke too because there’s no dissuading the kid from his clown obsession. Here we go….
“Really, Buddy? Cuz that seems pretty nutso, donchathink!? But we’ve had that talk already about the power of suggestion and the clown business. So let’s have a different talk. What would you want me to say to you if I DID spot a clown? Would you want me to yell ‘LOOK OUT, THERE’S A CLOWN!!!!’” And I shout so loud his arm kinda jerks and his water bottle goes flying.
He turns his head to me all startled, but serious and says, “No! Not like that!! I would want you to say it very calmly, real quiet.”
He’s still looking at me, so I look right back at him and say very quietly, “Don’t look now, but there’s a clown. Shhhhhhh.”
To which he replies, “Oh my gosh, MOM! REALLY??!?!!!”
We’re at a stop sign by this point and I’m still looking at him as he’s looking at me. He clearly thinks – since we’re stopped right here on the street where the clowns lurk – that there’s a clown peering into the passenger’s side window right…behind….him. So I smile a totally dumb smile, look into his eyes and say, “Yes. I’m looking at the clown right now.” And I keep smiling the dopey smile.
His face falls from fear into total annoyance. Clowns are no joking matter. HIM as a clown is no joking matter.
Then I start singing:
Where ARE the clownnnnnns…
Send innnn the clownnnnnns….
Don’t botherrrrrrr they’re heeeeeeeere….