The Great Fair of Human Life

The child clothed in prince’s robes
with jeweled chains around his neck
loses all pleasure in play,
hampered at every step by his dress.

Fearing it may become frayed
or stained with dust,
he keeps himself above the world,
afraid to even move.

Oh mother,
What is there to be gained by all this finery,
that keeps your child aloof
from the dust of the earth;
his own fear refusing to grant him entrance
to the great fair of common human life?