nateb

When I wrote this poem, I was thinking about my job, my workplace. But I was also thinking of the trickster character in folklore around the world, and the meaning of someone crossing the line on purpose, to break barriers and pretense and image and prejudice. So, here you go!

Jester

They had no idea
that I was Heyoka.
They're frantic with panic
and I'm just doing the Polka.

I'll make them see
their own hate and mistrust,
then make them laugh at the fact
and make the intestinal tract combust.

Sometimes I'm a monkey,
sometimes I'm a coyote.
After seeing me,
you'll feel like you've eaten all the Peyote.

The images must be broken
by the hands of the Jester.
Put them on the rack
like I'm Uncle Fester.

I'm dancing with girls
and drinking red wine.
Every time you draw the line,
I go ahead and cross the line.

Who else but me
could question your assumptions?
Teach you and tease you
with combinations and conjunctions.

I'll make you doubt
enough to question,
inquire with the fire
and rebellion of dissension.

I hop around
and expose your fear,
make you see it's all you,
I make it perfectly clear.

The Sacred Clown
will heal you, surprise you.
I'll hold up the mirror
and show you who you told lies to.