(Adapted from, and with apologies to, Kahlil Gibran)

God’s Fool

Once upon a time, a dreamer came from

His desert home to see the big city.

Ignorant of the city ways and tongue,

He misunderstood hospitality

As banquets, bestowed by benevolent

Princes, to celebrate a great event.

When brought before the judge, he saw a king,

And heard the arguments as a welcome.

His expulsion under police escort

Became a procession, just so awesome,

That the dreamer’s heart filled with ecstasy,

And he shouted to a friend, “Where are we?”

That man only smiled, shook his head so slight;

The dreamer’s eyes had overflowed with light.

(written June 21, 1992)