The King of Fools

The sun was set above the sky.
The birds began to sing,
And colours bright, with summer nigh,
Enchanted everything.

He watched the world with great intent,
And sampled its perfume,
And dancing down the road he went,
In time with nature's tune.

'Twas then he saw the castle rise
Above the distant hill.
A perfect chance to exercise
His captivating skill.

So down the trail, he rambled on,
Toward the castle gates.
He stopped ahead to look upon
The challenge that awaits.

The massive walls were dark and cold,
The buildings were unclean.
The iron gate was worn and old,
It's stature was obscene.

"Now here's a place," he said aloud,
"That needs a little fun.
With dance and song, I'll raise a crowd,
And charm them with my tongue."

So to the castle gates he hopped,
Much like a rabbit does,
And sure enough, was quickly stopped,
To find out who he was.

"Why, I'm the King of Fools," he said,
"The Lord of Laughter, too.
The God of Mirth, or bard, instead.
Whichever pleases you."

"I'd like to meet your lord, you see.
I've come to lift the mood.
My only entertainment fee,
Is laughter, wine, and food."

So down the corridors he flew,
The castle guard in tow.
The lords and ladies there he knew,
Would revel in the show.

And as he reached the dining hall,
He looked about the room.
The banners hung along the wall,
Gave tangent tones of gloom.

The nobles there were dull and dry,
The mood was rather stale.
He nicked a cup and filled it high,
And started on his tale.

He bellowed loud of kings and knights,
And fire-breathing beasts.
He told of battles, quests and plights,
Of demons, gods and priests.

He leapt upon the table top,
And then began to sing.
He crafted dance that wouldn't stop,
And laughter it did bring.

The sullen lord, though cool before,
Now clambered to the stage.
And feeding off the player's lore,
He helped the weathered sage.

On oaken table-top they danced,
The band began to play.
The noble guests, themselves entranced,
Had joined in the display.

The party spilled into the yard,
Just as the sun went down.
"The time has come.  The sky is starred."
Announced the coloured clown.

"Before I go, I'd like to pose,
A piece of sound instruction.
A lesson only wisdom knows,
Else hazard self-destruction."

"The key to life is only this,
You need no destination,
Just love and joy and wondrous bliss,
And boisterous recreation."

So with a bow that touched the floor,
This man of pure delight,
Went dancing down the road once more,
And vanished in the night.