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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Zerlaut Avatar
July 8, 2017 at 1:29 AM
I tend to be the jestful sort and when I can't find people to jest with/about that wont cause hurt, I'll jest about myself. Tonight it was at a party when the host kept telling everyone to eat... everyone was to busy talking till I got up a half hour later and got food. then they flooded the table. I called out "sure wait till you realize the big man might steal all the food". Thanks for sharing this!
Buck Avatar
July 8, 2017 at 2:39 PM
Jesse: As a fellow "souper" you know how great it feels when someone takes their time to comment. I thank you for it and will be spending some time with "Zerlaut's stuff" later today. oldbuck
Flats Avatar
December 14, 2016 at 6:02 PM
No really, I just didn't want to lose my place as I read through your stuff:-). Now this'un here speaks volumes, (even though I don't hear worth a hoot). I tend to be a bit dangerous when I'm caffeinated, but hopefully I cause less damage than I used to;-). Don't think you have much to worry about! Keep us smiling Old buck, we preeshiate it. ~ john
Buck Avatar
December 14, 2016 at 6:30 PM
John: Thanks again for you interest. The Soup and those that walks these halls have meant a great deal to me the last couple years. I'd long since worn out any local readers I had and needed fresh meat. I've found that on the Soup. And you have been a part of that. Thanks again. oldbuck.
Flats Avatar
December 14, 2016 at 10:00 AM
this is just my "bookmark" - I'll be back to read more later ~ j
Buck Avatar
December 14, 2016 at 11:08 AM
John: Around home they call that "a glutton for punishment" or some might say "Masocistic" without the sex. :o) Thanks for your willingness to spend some time in "oldbucks stuff". oldbuck
A  Avatar
August 25, 2015 at 11:45 PM
OLD BUCK.... Enjoyed this very much... SKAT
Buck Avatar
August 26, 2015 at 3:24 PM
SKAT: I'm pleased you found enjoyment in my rhyme. Thank you for taking the time to comment. oldbuck
Merryman Avatar
August 19, 2015 at 10:03 PM
A very introspective piece, Old Buck! I enjoyed reading it. Love,Kim
Buck Avatar
August 26, 2015 at 3:23 PM
Kim: I had to look up "introspective" to see if I should be pleased or offended. :o) With that, I'll say: Thanks for the kind words. I guess most of what I write it indeed "introspective". I don't know much else. oldbuck
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