Su Ben Poet Dramatic Monologue

An Old Self-Scorning Buffoon

Although aging may not be a present thing to experience
it is a great blessing. No matter how hard he tries to understand 
old age, the youth will never be able to conceive the meaning of aging,
nor can taste the fruits of real human pathos that come only with age.

Listen, therefore, to this old buffoon, you the loafers who filled 
this square; hear, therefore, what this shabby old man says,
you the vigorous young people who want to go a step ahead 
the currents of time, rejecting traditions and resisting all orders.

If this old one’s appearance offends you, though I was wishing 
to age myself in the way that is tolerable to others’ eyes, 
please accept my apology.

If my conduct and behavior displeases you,
why not suffer with me for a moment 
because I and myself cry over my own clumsy body 
and limbs that won’t move as I wish any more.

If my voice is harsh and unpleasant,
why not let it be deaf to your ears
because all I wanted was to 
clear my phlegm obstructed throat
and sing my favorite song that I sung once proudly.

If my laughter echoes hollowly in air,
why not laugh with me, because if not laughing, 
this old one lives in tears for the rest of his remaining life,
because if they take laughter away from me, though it may sound hollow and self-contemptuous, only tears would fill my broken heart.

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