The Jester and the Thief

There was once a jester whose name was Chester that was surrounded by fortune and fame

He wore a thick purple robe and trotted the globe spreading his talent and name

He entertained peasants and entertained kings he told funny jokes and did funny things but one day his luck had run out

He bumped into Chief the infamous thief and of his fate, he had no doubt

You see Chief had gang that pillaged and sang but neither fortune nor fame had they won

He said I'll make you a deal choose fortune or fame but of the two you may only choose one

If you choose fortune I shall cut off your tongue and pleasure you will no longer bring you'll tell no more jokes entertain no more folks but of my fame millions will sing

but if you choose fame I'll steal all your gold take all your clothing and leave you out cold then I will live like a king

The choice is yours my friend bring your trade to an end and escape with your winnings and spoils

or abandon your possessions deny your obsessions and return to your labor and toils

Chester was mad of all that he had now he would only have half

Which did he want possessions to flaunt or to make those around him laugh

Who am I Chester proclaimed to choose famed or shamed rich or poor I think not

He pulled out his blade but with his life he paid because both fortune and fame he sought

Often in life you must make a choice like our friend Chester, comfort or voice While some will be big, others will surely be small

The choices will vary and your decisions you'll carry but I tell you, you can't have it all