"shut up and listen"
they all said at once
and proceeded to talk
over one another
their voices raising
growing louder and louder

and the fool danced
but no one saw


"you're wrong, I'm right"
they shouted fiercly
faces contorting in brilliant red
as they gestered madly
to make their point
whatever it was

and the fool sang
but no one heard


"take it back or die"
they threatened one another
swords swinging madly
light glinting off steel
as it cut through warm flesh
and shattered bone

the fool stood and watched
and said not a word


"help me I'm dying"
the last of them called
his voice barely heard
as his life drained away
on the scarlet washed floor

and the fool laughed
as he gathered their purses
and walked out the door


Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Ferinus, in the year 404 AD.