*****

Recorded Reading (2:24): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bo8tvqgb6dhwbs8mn2hyz/No-Fool.mp3?rlkey=h5g9q32wh2h6abltmivtst7ec&dl=0

*****

No Fool

A folktale told
In far Japan
Relates there was
A prosp’rous man

Whose only son
Wished off to go
The Western world
To better know

Concerned, among
That distant pool,
His son be taken
For a fool,

He did at first
The lad deny,
But faced with such
A heartfelt sigh

He said if at
His good behest
The boy would pass
A chosen test

Then he would let
Him venture to
Dwell within
And travel through,

Permitted for
A month to stay,
In continental
USA

Grateful for any
Small chance
To Western shores
His feet to dance,

His offspring promised
To fulfill
The test’s tough terms
Fully as well

As he was ever
Able to,
If Dad would tell him
What to do

Dad graciously
Inclined his head,
Considering,
And then he said

“To well remove
My nagging doubt,
Make me from
My chair get out!”

Of course, this
Grim conundrum stunned
The reverently
Kneeling son,

But managed his
Composure keep
And asked if on it
He might sleep

Granted his
Respectful wish,
He wrestled with
This slipp’ry fish

Unable, though,
Determine to,
To pass the test,
What he must do

It was late in
The afternoon
He came to beg
A second boon

“Father, that chair —
I must admit
I cannot get
You out of it!

“But though the chance
May still be slim
Perhaps could make
You get back in…”

His father fondly
Gazed at him,
Deciding to
Accord his whim

Causing the boy ~
No country lout ~
To smother a
Triumphant shout

“Father,” he cried
“This is a rout —
From your chair
I have got you out!”

His father smiled ~
Needless to say
He got his wish
That very day

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S, or choose to donate by personal check. It will take about two weeks for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for supporting quality in the fine arts