The Master Of Self Delusion

By Billy Rock Mitchell

A child and their guardian were walking along that grand old city's streets and parks

Having an informative chat about all the world's animals; from the lowly ant to mighty sharks

But then that wee babe's eyes did spy a man sitting in the shade and eating bark from a tree

The man chewed up the bark, smiled bright as he gazed at every sight and patted his full belly

"Who is that?" said the child

The guardian looked down at that bright eyed fledgling and decided to answer his question

"Everyone knows that man" said the child's protector

"Well famed in our home and across lands beyond the great shining sea"

"An expert in the craft of illusion he is the master of self delusion"

The wee nipper knew not what their guardian meant

The child's ear was towards the wise protector bent

"That man was one who never had a plan but would always on his feet land"

"He could convince himself of anything no matter how removed from reality"

"People laughed at him when he started his invisible silent memberless band"

"He believed he had fought in every war from eight sixty seven  to seventeen eighty four"

"As he remembers it he had no weapons just some flowers and his lucky rabbit paw"

"The master of self delusion claimed to have been a king of the land of Kuba Kator"

"He says he was deposed by the one armed murky usurper with the golden jaw"

"Where others saw sand and rocks on a beach he saw his gems and riches stretching into the horizon"

"When most folks saw stars and moon lit sky he would remark on how the day was bright as the sun shone "

"Everyone that weaver of blind self belief met adored him so much he always did believe"

"Even if they were a scornful hateful sort who  cursed his name and asked him to leave "

"That hero of internal illusion who wore rags and grimey patchwork duds"

"Claimed that his wardrobe was crafted by the master tailor Archibald Buds"

"His palatial estate stretched for ten miles long he would say, right across Bendenbattle Bay"

"Even though it is merely this park that I have brought you to on this calm sunny day"

"But for all the people of this ancient town's disapproving guffaws and balking"

"That master of self delusion was always the happiest soul you will see walking"

"He is the merriest of folks"

"With the funniest of jokes"

"Free from any cruel yoke"

"You see my dear child really in this life most are deluded to a small or greater degree"

"But that crafty confusing master we gaze is just honest in his dishonesty with himself you see"

'So never balk, bully or berate that man with eyes so full of whimsical wool"

"For you see those that are angered by him show themselves to be the real fool"

The child nodded and understood and waved to the man of happy madness

And that master of self delusion waved back with a grin and eyes devoid of sadness

The child and their guardian walked on through the park of that grand old metropolis

As that master of self delusion carried on living in his famed and peaceful eternal bliss

By Billy Rock Mitchell