An Old Fools Worry

An Old Fools Worry I’ve been a silly jester Nearly my entire life. Even as a goofy school kid Way before I had a wife. I’ve always found real pleasure In making people laugh. But the problem is so often It’s from the making of a gaffe. I find as I’ve grown older At times a bit more feeling. Words can more that sting They may leave a person reeling. I admit, at times I’m careless Something strikes me funny I take off with it a runnin’ Like the 'Energizer' bunny. But sometimes as I’m leaving I’ve just been the silly clown I sense upon my victims face A held back, “hidden” frown. I’ve even sensed much worse It’s become a growing fear That when I’m gone, the pain Has even caused a tear. The problem as I see it is The ones we love the most Because we know them best Are oft our unwitting host. I’ve always felt that they should know I wouldn’t ever mean to harm But that don’t stop the hurt From the twisting of their arm. An old friend used to say: You can’t know the public’s mood. Nor where this person’s been Or what just happened to their brood. What news they’ve just been handed The experience they’ve just felt. They might have rather now You’d have struck them with a belt. I so seldom pause to sense Who may have kicked their cat. Or where impassioned minds Fervent thoughts are focused at. So with that I’ll summarize Let you know what I’m drivin’ at. The very next time I start my spiel Signal “It’s not your turn at bat.” Cause life, I’m finding, is short So if my way of silly teasin’ For whatever be your reason Is at all a bit displeasin’. Just tell me so. Make it clear A moment of forced laughter Isn’t worth losing a good friend Certainly not, for ever after. Written by oldbuck Aug. 19, 2015 As he pondered all the folks he has probably wounded over the years with his foolish tongue.