The Jester

In the land of bright Faerie

By a crystal clear blue sea,

There lay a tiny kingdom

Whose king was full of wisdom.

Lords, pageboys, men of all sort

Filled this wise paragon’s court;

But his fav’rite as a rule

Was his funny, motley fool.

From birth a lonely half-wit:

Nimble her feet to dodge a hit,

Wide grin always on her face,

Never questioning her place.

Feel for this jester of bright Faerie

For isn’t she a bit like you and me:

The butt of ev’ryone’s prank or joke,

Revealing dark sentiments which stoke

The caustic fires of harsh cruelty.

Came a time the king fell sick;

Sought his jester as physic.

But the fool was on her hill,

Knowing not her lord was ill.

When dark shadows filled the skies,

Jealous courtiers whispered lies;

Feeding the king’s frantic fear

As the fool failed to appear.

Soon the weakened king fell prey

And his thoughts were led astray

By wicked machination

To command execution.

Feel for this jester of bright Faerie

For isn’t she a bit like you and me:

The butt of ev’ryone’s prank or joke,

Revealing dark sentiments which stoke

The caustic fires of harsh cruelty.

When the king’s gendarmes did learn

Of the jester’s late return,

She was seized unmerrily

For a death summarily.

This fool loved like a daughter

Was force marched to the slaughter.

Confusion-filled simple mind,

Understanding could not find.

Taken to the place of death,

Shaken and all out of breath,

She saw her liege’s ill face

And her constant heart did race.

Feel for this jester of bright Faerie

For isn’t she a bit like you and me:

The butt of ev’ryone’s prank or joke,

Revealing dark sentiments which stoke

The caustic fires of harsh cruelty.

Simple mind but with pure heart,

She lived without guile or art.

Seeing her king in distress,

She reached a hand to caress.

Witnessing this simple act

Caused the madness to retract;

And no jealous loud mouth’s shout

Could again bring any doubt.

Kindness most would not conceive

Bought a much deserved reprieve.

So the jester was restored,

To once more delight her lord.

Feel for this jester of bright Faerie

For isn’t she a bit like you and me:

The butt of ev’ryone’s prank or joke,

Revealing dark sentiments which stoke

The caustic fires of harsh cruelty.