A Sense of Humor

 NO man should stand before the moon 
To make sweet song thereon, 
With dandified importance, 
His sense of humor gone.

Nay, let us don the motley cap, 
The jester's chastened mien, 
If we would woo that looking-glass 
And see what should be seen.

O mirror on fair Heaven's wall, 
We find there what we bring. 
So, let us smile in honest part 
And deck our souls and sing.

Yea, by the chastened jest alone 
Will ghosts and terrors pass, 
And fays, or suchlike friendly things, 
Throw kisses through the glass.

Form: Ballad Comments

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace