with such verve, the jester strides into the courtyard.**
on stilts with a tambourine in hand,
a mask conceals his face
yet still boasts of his sun-smile!
he dances to dulcimers and drums,
he's charming and the people laugh
as they look up at him in wonder,
but when his performance is done, he leaves;
the townspeople return to their chatter,
but i watch him, the gypsy-wonder on stilts,
leaving to tread other lands all alone
to bring merriment through show,
and i feel the heaviness of my heart
knowing the he took it with him.