A Fool

I’ve seen the face of the hungry

Of the lonely I’ve heard the mute cry

Seen the light that shines on the wicked all day

And the meek downtrodden and poor

 

I drank from the well of despair

I’ve felt the strong grip of dark fear

I’ve seen dreams that are shattered and hope disappear

And I wonder what I will become

 

I would rather become an old fool

I’d rather be insane

And forget loss and gain

With my fancy I’d fly

I would chase butterflies

I would rather become an old fool

 

I’ve seen the eyes of the hopeless

Of the mighty the arrogant grin

In the name of the Almighty seen father kill son

And children abused and in chains

 

I’ve seen the stranger insulted

The homeless who’s treated as bane

A neighbor being shunned for the shade of his skin

And I wonder what I will become

 

I would rather become an old fool

Getting rid of my mind

If life’s meaning I’d find

I would sing with the birds

I would chat with the trees

I would rather become an old fool

 

I’ve seen the joy of young lovers

And the tears in a new mother’s eyes

I’ve seen the pure smile of an innocent child

And the grace of a loving grandma

 

I’ve seen the folks who are sharing

What can’t be enough just for them

I’ve seen people who are hurting help neighbors in pain

And I wonder what I will become

 

I would rather become an old fool

I would dream of a world

Where we care for each other

Where the people I meet

Are my sister and brother

I would rather become an old fool