The Rise and Fall of a Clown
Once upon … there was a son
who wanted to be king
that’s rather bold his father said
it’s not an easy thing
and you are only five years old.
So off he went into the world
to have a proper education
read classics – Latin, and some Greek
he learned the orators’ technique
and grew above his station.
Alas, his education took its toll
Turned hack, a scribbler peddling tales
To boost his petty pamphlets’ sales
Became Town Crier, dangling on a zip wire
To entertain Londinium was his goal.
Fought off Brutus in some sham elections
Joking, cheating, procreating
Vox populis increased his rating
Chased many skirts and some maiden
chucked old ones for a girlish trade-in.
And so it came to pass
that this arse, the great pretender
declared himself a self-anointed king
and here’s the thing, his chariot bore the writing:
30 pieces of silver from me to you, the great defender.
He then prorogued the Senate
Broke all the rules, took them for fools
Threw banquets galore, did not appease the crowds
ignored the augures, the darkening clouds
panem et circenses was his tenet.
Hurled half-truths at agitated folks
They’d had enough of lies and jokes
Alas, the herd began to move
Ripped off his undeserving crown
Disrobed the emperor’s gown.
He showed no shame
In his endgame
Put on his jester’s hat and vowed
I will be back to lead this herd
to rule this thankless crowd.