To play the fool, or be fooled.

Not an easy choice.

Both paths lead to pain.

Amuse those around you,
  give them the chance to ridicule.

Lose your own self respect.

Other hand,
  the dishonesty takes so much away.

Lack of trust will prevail.

Innocence shredded.
Doubts prevail.
Nothing is ever the same.

I prefer to make a different choice.

While I may caper and joke,
  it is for my own amusement,
  and to give someone a smile.

Also, eyes are wide open,
  walk on,
  conscious of the illusion you try to sale.

While you struggle,
  and attempt to gain the upper hand.

I shake my head and wonder.

Reviews

[.]

~ this is an extremely complex subject, monsieur jon... but the way you've written it is so simple and lucid that this complex subject is demystified...

~ you have articulated the beauty of consciousness... and of how we could choose to interact with people who "attempt to gain the upper hand"... i used to get provoked very easily until a few weeks ago... when i decided to let go...

~ we can only lead by example... we can't teach anyone anything...

[Jon Roggie]

I beg to differ. While leading by example, some of those around you will learn. Not all, and often not noticed. All we can do is make the effort. The rest is up to them. As always, thank you.

[.]

~ yeah... that's precisely what i meant, monsieur jon... i guess i should've written...

~ we can only make the effort of leading by example... we can't teach anyone anything...but only hope that those who are around will notice...because it's upto them...