A Surpassing Simpleton

 

I learned everything under the sun

But never ever learned to con

It’s true, O people of the world,

 I am a surpassing simpleton!

Not my way to shove anyone

As we run towards the prize,

I never pulled down anyone

On the career ladder to rise.

I never snatched anyone’s joy

Never grabbed one’s position

It’s true, O people of the world,

I am a surpassing simpleton!

Those who came much later

Have overtaken me to the chair,

I stand at the door begging

For the bread piece, a bare.

Though hungry I was, I never

Snatched an orphan’s bun.

It’s true, O people of the world,

I am a surpassing simpleton!

Before my eyes they grew rich

Built luxury palaces to sleep

Their purses became too small

For well gotten wealth to keep

No one traces their treasure trove

For a meager hope in sweat I run

It’s true, O people of the world!

I am a surpassing simpleton!

Xavier Bage

Thursday, April 05, 2018