Counsel of Old

Counsel of Old

The poet and the bard with word and song did convey

To kings and rulers the heartfelt messages of the day

Counsel given in rhyme, gestures telling they be

To alert the kingdom of tales from across the sea

Jesters and jokers with wit would wisely advise

To be aware of those that mask and veil deceit and lies

Be it well that such wisdom of counsel shall be heard

For from their knowing hearts came echoes of THE WORD

Visions to be shared and truth ever to be sought

These the trappings that bards and jesters have brought

Be well advised that this counsel of old

Has a present day story yet to be told

Those with deliberate agendas of deception and demise

Seek not the counsel of the poetic nor of the wise

The artistry of the word in its truth shall ever prevail

For it is beauty and truth that the noble and wise rightly hail

A poet of modern times in rhyme I choose to pen the word

May your counsel of heart too,  be known and ever heard.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Image: The Lute Player, Theodoor Rombouts, 1597-1637.