The Joker and the Thieves

I came to perform for kings and queens,
for noble knights and merry men.
To entertain the royal court,
I was far richer then.

But there are thieves among them,
this aristocratic lot,
and as I went about the room
they stole money from my pot!

The first thief came and went
as quick as a rat could be.
The second thief, though not as swift,
stole with a smile of glee.
The third thief was not so sly
and stole for all to see.

I came back to find my pot empty.

I know it was you!
You royal few!
I curse your thieving hands!
But the king, he rang the sentry bell.
Then all the guards, under it’s spell,
chased me from their lands!

And so the night went on.
The royals wined and dined.
They danced and sang in joyful song…
until they heard that chime!

For the handsome knight, the noble knight
His throat began to close!
He couldn’t take one single breath
and fear among them rose.

and then he dropped dead!

All the guests were mortified.
They cried for this noble soul.
The king and queen knelt down beside,
then once more they heard that toll.

The royal pair, distraught they were
their tears began to flood,
But as the king looked at his wife
her tears turned to blood!

and then she dropped dead!

All the guests have left the grounds
the king now sits alone.
He waits all night,
until midnight,
to hear that awful tone…

and then he drops dead.

• Nessie Roswell