April Fools?
Some think that it’s extremely cruel
to call someone some kindda fool
but in my life it seems I’ve found
call me a fool, I like the sound
because sometimes where I come from
it’s smart to be the one who’s dumb!
Somehow our species finds relief
in somewhere their own misbelief
that it should come as no surprise
that we have called ourselves the wise
because our use of fire and tools
makes other creatures look like fools
where really, if we only knew
it’s really the reverse that’s true!
Now, in the country we have creatures
that have themselves survival features
that everyone around here knows
don’t need no fire, tools, or clothes
and they all live just fine together
throughout the year in any weather
where not a human you can name
could live like that and say the same!
The lowly possum you will find
is smarter than our humankind
where we commit our acts of war
the possums rate a higher score
because it’s found that they instead
will stay alive by playing dead!
… Why, not a critter in our park
needs a flashlight after dark
where they can travel fast and far
without a street or fancy car
into places we all know
that even humans dare not go!
So, though we think we’re very smart
the truth may hurt but no, we aren’t
What other creature gathers wealth
at the expense of their own health
or must have money in their pocket
to buy a submarine or rocket
and fight each other just to brag
they’ve kept the honor of their flag
why, not a critter you can name
would be that dumb and do the same!
So, every April Fools’ day
I think that we can safely say
my proposition without fear
we’re dumb all day throughout the year
so, if it’s wisdom that we seek
we might remember we’re the weak
for in the country where I’m from
sometimes it’s smart to know you’re dumb!
— Gunther Flumm, Nashville