(inspired by Steven’s poem “Notes Towards a Supreme Fiction”)

Introduction

And for who, except for you, is there mirth?

Do I inquire of saints, sinners (or jokers)?

Who can define it?  Who can disclose it?

Meanwhile in deliberate shadow

A caper nudges towards a dark exit

With a mind of transcendence.

It Must Be Paradoxical

Where is the line where farce ends and I begin?

No one can reason it out

The space is vague, undefined, and anxious

Until a flash of unknowing

Splits our inner sky

Revealing us unique and together

A fraternity of fools

It Must Surprise

All depends on what should not be

Expectation subverted

Meanings transgressed

Caught up in tides from astonished seas

And inspirited western winds

Who could reason it out?

It Must Take Your Breath Away

It takes a friend to truly mock us

Can we see it clearly

Through tears streaming

Breath convulsing

Brain flooded with endorphins and oxygen

And the staccato howls of pranksters

Who just got away with it.