The Jester's Lament

I'm the court jester, the fool from the past
Entertaining the masses, in a role I've been cast
They gather to watch my antics and clowning
But as soon as I leave, they start their frowning

Are you not entertained? Are you not amused?
I jump through hoops, tell stale jokes, get bruised
You crave diversion, spectacle, and thrill
But my act never quite seems to fit the bill

Oh, how I wish I were a gladiator bold
Fighting for glory, not this jester's role
Swords and sandals, the crowd's thunderous roar
Not stuck in this circus, forever the bore

From gladiator fights to streaming sprees
You seek your dopamine with such ease
Movies squeezed into ten-hour series
Binge till your eyes glaze, numb mind wearies

They find me eerie, a figure of fright
The horror film clown, haunting their night
But I'd rather be Maximus, fierce and renowned
Slaying lions, not jesting for this jaded town

On second thought, maybe a gladiator's fate
Isn’t as glorious as they narrate
The crowd’s wild roar, the thrill of the fight
But most had a gory, unpleasant plight

When my jokes fall flat, and I die on stage
It’s only my pride that feels the rage
Not my severed head rolling on the ground
As the crowd cheers, a deafening sound

So I'll keep my motley, my red nose, my jest
Entertaining you fickle folk at my best
For a fool's life may not bring fame or acclaim
But I guess it beats being ripped apart, maimed

Thank you, and good night.