Jester

On a small tiny stage
On the outskirts of town
Jester seeks to engage
The hysterical crowd

His attire half torn
Stitched from rags, new and old
Shoes are horribly gone
Slightly covered with mold

With a face painted white
Nose all shining bright red
All eyes fills with delight
Hope of joy to be had

He will start without pause
Watch him stumble and fall
As a round of applause
Reach the roof of the hall

Every stare is on him
Every laugh is his own
Nimble, clever yet dim
Fully free from control

With illustrious smile
To the crowd he adores
He will bow with a style
As the curtains will close

As his sweat melts his paint
Panting, shaken and stirred
He will stand and await
Till his breath has returned

With his weariness loom
Without further ado
He emerged in his room
So well hidden from view

Just a quick turn of a key
And again like before
His heart fills with such glee
As he locks down the door

Once again given choice
He was up to the task
It's his time to rejoice
Soaring high and to bask

Yet he's suddenly flushed
As his eyes gleaned a light
From the mirror he smashed
With his fists just last night

Flesh and bone freezing cold
Skin is pale turning white
And fear slowly takes hold
As the glee turns to fright

Empty struggles to breathe
Hopeless, helpless and bound
But there's no one to heed
And there isn't a sound

Trembling leaf in a breeze
And without knowing how
He finds he's on his knees
His lips mumbling down

Oh sweet Father, my God
Please, I beg, can you hear?
I know, I was too bold
Said some things I don't mean

I was angry, I thought
You're obtuse, you're reserved
I thought my given lot
Wasn't what I deserved

I know silence your thing
I know I have trespassed
I'm unworthy to think
That I can even ask...

I'm a wretch but I swear...
Just one time, would you try?
Would you hear out my prayer?
Would you heed to my cry?

Would you listen to me?
Of all claims I'm left one
I would not claim to be
Anymore then your son

I've not sinned! Told no lie!
Done no wrong! I've been good!
Fed the poor! All my life
Cared for misunderstood!

I'm afraid! I'm alone!
In this dark, I can't see.
Father, please, let me know
You have purpose for me

I can't know what you plan
I am measly your tool
Mend my mind of a madman!
Ease my heart of a fool!

Father, please, make me whole
I... broke down... I'm in pain!
Cast your light, save my soul!
Give command - I'll obey!

Simply grant me a sign
Just this once, don't ignore...

Bursting laughter outside
Filled his room through the door.

With his eyes full of tears
His flesh tearing from bone
Jester saw through his years
And his laugh reached the hall.

Time flows by,
As it does, gently claiming each soul.
Puny jesters may cry
But the show carries on.

On a small tiny stage
On the outskirts of town
Jester seeks to engage
His hysterical crowd