The Foole   Every court should have a foole — with an e, I mean. Maybe he’s in motley, with bells on his cap, and silly pointy shoes. He’s there to make his lordship laugh, of course, tells the truth wrapped in riddles that insulate him from his lordship’s temper. While the rest of the court survive by flattery, waiting out their rivals and intrigues, the jester lives by his wit. He’s willing to seem ridiculous, a player of no consequence. The drama hinges on the schemes of the courtiers and courtesans and fawning lackeys. Oblivious to every rule, the foole alone shows them all to be fools.     © Michael Fleming Brattleboro, Vermont February 2026