didactic sonnet (thinking of Pope's "Essay on Man")

Pomposity a fool offends,
yet on this measure fools depend.
A fop, to stay discovery,
employs insult and injury;

the mocking sneer, the playful poke--
untutored use of mirrors and smoke.
Swagger, strut, turgidity,
the fool deploys with careless glee.

Laughter at a friend's expense--
a fool's riposte to non-offense.
The "enemy," imagined, yes,
takes shape in those who love him best.

Forgive the fool, but cautiously,
else wound he will, and mortally.