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.
