Don’t let a jester’s mask
trick you into thinking
that they’re happy,
don’t let them trick you
into thinking
that they’re foolish;
for when the mask falls,
there might not be a smile,
and when they stop
acting foolishly,
you may find a genius
seeking vengeance.
Never, ever, trust the smile
of a smiling jester,
for a ball they juggle is
a ball they might throw at you,
and a sword they magically swallow
is a sword they might stab you with.
Don’t laugh too much at them,
for they can always laugh after you’re dead,
and don’t laugh too little at them,
for they can always avenge that dishonour.
Never, ever,
fall into these mistakes,
for it is better —much better!—
to be cautious
and alive
than it is to be careless
and dead.