The Silly Countess (a short story)

Once upon a time, there lived a countess.
She was very naive, I must confess.
She always trusted what people said
and rarely questioned things in her head.
The countess had a generous heart.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t that smart.
She always saw what she wanted to see
and found a reason to smile with glee.
She always heard what she wanted to hear
and always found a reason to cheer.
She always helped whenever she could.
She loved to help; it made her feel good.
When people needed her, she was there.
She gave them her love and tender care.
“Thank you for caring,” they would say.
She would smile and go on her way.
She always thought nothing of it.
She felt she had to do her bit.
She didn’t need their cheers and applause.
She knew how privileged her life was.
“You should be careful,” her friends would say.
“People’s jealousy can get in the way.
Not everyone has your interest at heart.
Some are just waiting to tear you apart.”
The countess ignored their sound advice.
Being naive was her biggest vice.
Her friends didn’t know what else to say.
They knew she’d have to learn the hard way ...

This rhyming cautionary tale looks at the pitfalls of gullibility and silliness. It is approximately 860 words.