Confession of a Fool


Illustration by Jacque Cournoyer

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” 
― William Shakespeare, As You Like It


I am but a fool
wrapped in my inadequacy
with a vocabulary that deceives.

I expose my scholarly ineptitude 
that pride would have my ego speak,
“I have nothing more to learn.”

Have caution on your tongue
that would hoist self upon a pedestal,
for many a fool thinks he is wise.

If there is nothing more to explore
then pull the curtain upon
the days that lie before me.

It is joy to see morning shine
upon my quest to follow knowledge
as far as my feeble brain will allow.

I confess I am a fool,
to speak otherwise would be
the noise of  bloated self esteem.


©Susie Clevenger 2012
Kerry's challenge at Real Roads was to go old school...old school as in Shakespeare.
She asked us to take a quote from William Shakespeare and use it as inspiration for a written piece or the title for a finished piece.



Comments

Daydreamertoo said…
When Chloe (at 16) says "I know Bren, I know" I could shake her because at my age, I know there is still so much that I don't know, and, I like to think I've learned an awful lot about a lot and yet, there's still so much more to learn. Now, I just roll my eyes and hope one day she does 'know'...lol
This is very wise Susie. Only a fool thinks they know it all, indeed.
Ben Ditty said…
This was beautiful. Can I call you Susiespeare? ;-)
Susan said…
I love this: "If there is nothing more to explore then pull the curtain upon the days that lie before me." No lazy fool, this, but one filled with passion.
Lolamouse said…
The Laundry Goddess speaks the truth. You are a wise Goddess.
Anonymous said…
Yes - the curtain line is just lovely - the whole poem very wise; a lovely cadence too. k.
Teresa said…
This is great! I love the truth of your poem.
Kay L. Davies said…
Fabulous, Susie. You nailed it. I like Ben's idea. LOL
K
Hannah said…
"It is joy to see morning shine
upon my quest to follow knowledge
as far as my feeble brain will allow."

LOVE this!! Great writing Susie!!
Karishma Shetty said…
'If there is nothing more to explore
then pull the curtain upon
the days that lie before me.'
Love this line! What is life without it being meaningful and full of zest every single day! Nicely written.
Sreeja said…
Loved the lines....clever!
Kerry O'Connor said…
There is wisdom in acknowledging one's own foolishness, and actively guarding against ignorance. This is both witty and intelligent, and the following stanza could stand alone as an epigram:

Have caution on your tongue
that would hoist self upon a pedestal,
for many a fool thinks he is wise.
Scarlet said…
I like the quote and your words capturing the wisdom of saying I am fool ~ Indeed when we say we know it already, we close our minds to anything new ~
Mary said…
I found myself smiling as I read this, Susie. You took on a different style than your usual. Yes, definitely Shakespearean in tone.
Sherry Blue Sky said…
I love your poem, which echoes the Bard's......so well done, kiddo. I especially love the morning joy!
hedgewitch said…
True words--reminds me of a saying of Miss Marple's "The young people think the old people are fools, but the old people *know* the young people are." Too many people want to flaunt a little bit of knowledge, but the smartest people are always the ones listening more than they speak. Nice work Susie.
Ella said…
I love what you have created...
"bloated self esteem" love that line...I know so many with that stuffed shirt view!
Well Done...and so true!

Yes, I think Susiespeare fits you nicely ;D
Herotomost said…
Wow this challenge has brought out some heavy hitting, Susie, this is wonderful in thought and deed. To call ones own idiocies to the front and call them what they are is truly growth. Great stuff Susie.
Margaret said…
Bravo. Loved, loved that last stanza.