FOOLS AND JESTERS: a sonnet

FOOLS AND JESTERS: a sonnet


When folly is the name of today’s game
And when foolishness is much in demand,
Then is it not foolish, in fact, to blame
The fools if much respect they do command?

What one has, one displays with pride and sways.
A fool can display but only folly.
Why take exception to what a fool says?
Why not simply grin and bear, be jolly?

Did not the kings of yore harbor jesters
In order that they humour those who’re wise?
Company of fools in no way matters,
As long as you do not pick up their vice.

Just ignore the barbs that the fools do dart.
Why not let them feel that they, too, are smart?


M C Gupta
19 April 2009