How afraid they were, the everybody,
that he’d be born on April Fool’s Day, but
he came more cleverly, one day early. Saved!
He grew into a most unpleasant man –
an abrasive irritant, yet unaware
just how and why he causes widespread rage.
The child he was could never get a joke.
When others laughed incomprehensibly,
he knew it must be him they laughed at … mocked.
And then at last it seemed he woke to humour.
Years later, I discern it was not so.
He learnt to fake it – imitate, pretend.
He’s gained a kind of humour now, at last:
the ability to laugh at others' pain
or their humiliation – just as, once,
when he was small, he thought they laughed at his.
He has his share of folly, but no fun.
He cannot clown around, devoid of jest.
If only he had waited just one day!
How much happier might we all have been
if only, blessedly, he’d been born a Fool?
if only, blessedly, he’d been born a Fool?
Written for Poetry Month at 'imaginary garden with real toads': 1: April is for Fools and Poets
This is so powerful! Especially enamored with your closing lines.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
What an excellent and discerning story in a portrait, Rosemary. very cleverly done.
ReplyDeleteI can see him, in this vivid description. Love the humour in wishing he had been born on April Fool's Day!
ReplyDeleteGah, he thought they laughed at his. Really good, Rosemary. Way to kick it off!
ReplyDeleteA day early and a smile late...Love this!
ReplyDelete"There's a fool born every day!" But not him.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Jim wouldn't marry me in Leap Year, we had to wait until it was over. Mom got terrible teasing from Dad about their marriage. (In the funny pages, Lil' Abner, during Leap Years the woman could propose to the men.) She didn't like to be teased about that, Mrs. Jim was afraid I would tease her also. So we waited.
..
Faking it in anything is never good. You nailed this.
ReplyDeleteSo good, I almost feel sorry for him,,,he missed the right day :-)
ReplyDeleteA poem and a lesson to learn. I almost forgot I was reading a poem, I got so caught up in it. Very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteHow strange. (Do I dare go a bit political.) My hubby is addicted to Donald Trump deviations - for shock value. For some reason, I connect these poetic musings with the Trump facade. I'm bad. A great exploration of a dubious profile.
ReplyDeleteI didn't have Trump in mind, but I can understand why you might think so!
DeleteWas it Trump's birthday, then? Bad timing, if so. And I love your opening line, especially "the everybody."
ReplyDeleteI agree with you--for me silliness can be a virtue--foolishness to here--self-deprecation (and possibly humility and empathy too) well done, Rosemary. k.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, without ever having met her, you have described my eldest sister to a T. She has bipolar and borderline personality disorder; always assumes people are laughing AT her, never gets the joke. Even when she is genuinely funny, she gets mad. This is incredible. Amy
ReplyDeleteSad to say, this is a family member of mine, albeit one I no longer have anything to do with. He has narcissistic personality disorder, which I'm told is a form of borderline personality disorder, and may very well be bipolar.
DeleteI was thinking in a way of Trump too but naw, wrong specie of autism, this is the inability to read the innate smile, to find the shape of it within. Better born a fool than a beggar of laughter. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this poem, am reminded of my abusive younger brother, who never understood me or my sense of humour. For he, always thought, I was getting a dig or two, at his expense. Doesn't help that he's narcissistic, either. Sadly, for my own mental and physical health, I have shut him out of my life, permanently.
ReplyDeleteI understand perfectly, having done the same with the person in my poem, for exactly the same reason.
DeleteThis is heartbreaking...and it hits close to home..my husband, is a brilliant artist and kind man...yet, he is one that never gets jokes...or very rarely. Great poem, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteI think kindness is the greatest virtue, and makes up for any other lack.
Deletefools are born daily. (Waves hand) ~
ReplyDeleteThis is quite a remarkable post. Some people are incredibly cruel, lack empathy, and think that a slam or a joke or a prank at another's expense is only a jest. It's what bullies are made of.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lillian, I appreciate your comment. But my 2020 response to this prompt is linked at the current post at Toads: http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2020/04/april-2020-days-1-5.html
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