As we lose we learn

 I’m not amused as much as I am shocked 

by the dishonesty of sober folk,

I am, instead, most pleased when they are mocked.

It’s alway those who feel they are well-stocked 

who weep most loudly when hope turns to smoke;

I’m not amused as much as I am shocked

when I discover that the door’s been locked

against my joy. I can’t laugh at the joke,

I am, instead, most pleased when they are mocked

by every human whose heart has been rocked 

almost to failure, which their pains evoke.

I’m not amused as much as I am shocked 

to see that not a single soul has knocked 

on the one door beyond which all souls choke.

I am, instead, most pleased when they are mocked 

by young and old. Instead I am deadlocked 

between sad laughter and bearing the yoke:

I’m not amused as much as I am shocked,

I am, instead, most pleased when they are mocked.