The Fool

The Fool sat listening as her sweet words filled the air
each nuanced syllable sending chills through his body,
each glance cast upon him, a moment of eternal ecstasy.

     Does this fool not hear me, the Queen thought to herself.
     I’ve spoken in plain speech that even a fool should understand,
     If not my words than my glares should make it clear.

She speaks to me he thought to himself,
but how can this be, she is the Queen
and I, with nothing, am but a mere worthless, meaningless Fool.

     Just because I smile at him on occasion, he thinks there is more.
     Yes, his hugs are warm, and candies are sweet,
     but he must know he means nothing to me.

Pansies, roses, lilies, all but fading flowers.
Compared to her beauty they pale and hide in the shadows,
but she never refuses them, when I pick them for her she smiles.

     More flowers, a sweet gesture, why does he give them to me?
     Doesn’t he know this could never be, her lips curl gently.
     She looks down at the flowers unable to look into his eyes, fool, she thinks.

I, the lonely Fool, the lonely fool, beneath my smiling mask,
I listen to her words that sting, but feel the warmth of her touch.
I bathe in her beautiful eyes yet feel the pain each time she turns away.
                    …I am such a fool!

     He is a fool, my Fool, he is always there for me, good or bad.
     Even in my cruelty he listens, with respect, without judging.
     I wish for his happiness.  I wish him love, I wish things could be different
                              …for this caring, beautiful Fool.


12/27/2017

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 1/25/2018 9:32:00 AM
So well written James, I felt each word hoping that they would have a true love connection, it's amazing how two people with truly different perspectives, can sometimes get together, but alas, their differences that brought out their curiosity will probably also be their undoing in the end!
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James Inman
Date: 1/27/2018 6:32:00 AM
Hi John, relationships are difficult things and are almost always skewed one way or the other.
Date: 1/6/2018 10:48:00 PM
Wow....just wow!!! My favorite from you so far...a beautiful composition. :) Absolutely brilliant. This, to me, speaks volumes on the intricacy of relationships. How minds so different from each other's experience their own versions of love, depending on their personality, their view of the world and people, and place in life. Unconditional love can warm the coldest of hearts. I'm very impressed. Thank you for an awesome read tonight. Always, Laura
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James Inman
Date: 1/7/2018 8:34:00 PM
It is a bit of a miracle that two people can find each other and live a lifetime together when we are all so very different. I don't personally believe in unconditional love. I believe that everything in life has conditions. Would I expect my two girls to continue to love me if I, for no reason, killed their husbands, no I wouldn't. If they did should they expect any sane person to respect them, I think not. Life has conditions as it should. Thank you for such a wonderful comment Laura, thought provoking as always. Thank you for your time.
Date: 12/31/2017 1:31:00 AM
....and never the twain shall meet. Sadly. A fine write, James. Happy new year to you and yours. Regards, Viv
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James Inman
Date: 12/31/2017 6:56:00 AM
Thanks for the visit Viv and happy, healthy and fulfilling new year to you as well.
Date: 12/30/2017 4:33:00 PM
Awesome poetry James, in fact a classic in my opinion..just love this...Happy new year...
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James Inman
Date: 12/30/2017 6:39:00 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Harry!!! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the great comment.
Date: 12/30/2017 4:12:00 PM
Wow. This is brilliant. So wonderful to read their thoughts. Very unique and creative. Love the ending
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James Inman
Date: 12/30/2017 6:33:00 PM
Thanks for the visit and the wonderful comment Rhoda.
Date: 12/28/2017 12:50:00 PM
This was quite unique, seeing the thoughts of them both and why things are this way, for convention's sake. It reminds me a little of Victoria and Abdul's story!! (though he was able to be embraced by the queen though treated quite rudely when she died). How is the end of this year treating you, Ralph. I am off now to see my grand daughter. Both girls have birthdays right after Xmas!!
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James Inman
Date: 12/28/2017 4:27:00 PM
Hi Andrea, I'm fine. Thank you for visiting and your nice comment.
Date: 12/27/2017 8:19:00 AM
I agree with your sentiments, most lovers of truth, will sacrifice their own feelings, however, sometimes you can't give to another, because other people could get hurt and that is when love hurts the most...
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James Inman
Date: 12/27/2017 9:28:00 AM
The truth of it. Agreed.
Date: 12/27/2017 5:58:00 AM
This is a great poem James, makes one think.. he is a fool, but she loves him in her own way, so what if he was not a fool, would she still love him? for she loves him because he is a fool....
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James Inman
Date: 12/27/2017 8:02:00 AM
A profound question you raise Silent One. She knows she is the source of his pain which she could easily end but is torn by her feelings for him just as he knows that loving her will only lead to more pain. No two people define love in exactly the same way. A complex relationship that would be unlikely to blossom but how far does hope lead us, how much pain are we willing to endure for the slimmest of possibilities for that one blissful fleeting moment or the even lesser likelihood for true happiness. True love, and I mean TRUE LOVE is a very rare gift. cont...
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James Inman
Date: 12/27/2017 8:02:00 AM
...cont Most of us settle for what we accept as love, which is not a bad thing, some people are quite content with that. I'm not talking about Romeo and Juliet, they were kids in lust with one another fueled by their rebellious nature, also not necessarily a bad thing, but not the same. The truth in love to me is how much you are willing to give while expecting nothing in return, which is a very difficult thing to do since we all have expectations. That is where hope comes in, expect nothing but hope for everything. Thank you.
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