cleverly shunned
cleverly shunned
this clever lad
who once was
quite celebrated
applauded, even;
that once and
clever tyke —
little did he know
one forward day
when he'd've all
up and grown
dependable lads
are what's wanted
clever 'uns were
interesting enough
for a bit of a larf but
just a tad annoying;
when things gotta
be done — go figure
dependability and
cleverness could
be so incompatible
in people's heads;
so be rather dull
but trustworthy
than yip yap like a pup
that's cleverly shunned
.
Red Brick Keshner
Sun 10th Aug 2025 08:26
A wry, quietly cutting reflection on how the very traits that once drew applause can, over time, become a reason for distance. "Cleverly Shunned" sketches the arc from lauded wit to sidelined observer, asking (without quite answering) what we value when cleverness and dependability don’t seem to mix. Hope this airing provides true enjoyment and ponderings