The Lute Lady and the Grumpy Fairy

There once was a magnificent musician

Who loved to play a lute.

So skillful was her playing,

That trees and bushes would sprout fruit.

But one day, as she played,

There came a grouchy fay,

Who covered her ears and said,

“Your songs are annoying, go away!”

But the lute player didn’t listen,

And she kept right on playing.

“It is you who can leave,” she said.

“I for one am staying.”

The fay scowled at her,

“I want my peace and quiet!

Your music isn’t even that good.

I shouldn’t have to be bothered by it!”

But others chimed in,

Both men and fay,

“We like the lute lady’s music,

It is you who should go away!

“Her music gives us peace

With a few strums of her lute.

Moreover, her music produces

Excellent, tasty, fresh fruit!

“What does your grumpiness

Produce for anyone here?

Nothing but annoyance

And agitation for all who are near.

“Why on earth would we be rid of her?

If you’re so bothered, begone!

You have wings, so use them.

Fly off! Go on!”

The fay huffed and flew away.

Her complaints had no success in

Ridding of the good lute lady.

So what is the lesson?

Just because one grouch

Acts like a bothersome beast

Doesn’t mean a good person is obligated

To oblige them in the least.