Once upon a time, there lived a countess.<br />She was very naive, I must confess.<br />She always trusted what people said<br />and rarely questioned things in her head.<br />The countess had a generous heart.<br />Unfortunately, she wasn&rsquo;t that smart.<br />She always saw what she wanted to see<br />and found a reason to smile with glee.<br />She always heard what she wanted to hear<br />and always found a reason to cheer.<br />She always helped whenever she could.<br />She loved to help; it made her feel good.<br />When people needed her, she was there.<br />She gave them her love and tender care.<br />&ldquo;Thank you for caring,&rdquo; they would say.<br />She would smile and go on her way.<br />She always thought nothing of it.<br />She felt she had to do her bit.<br />She didn&rsquo;t need their cheers and applause.<br />She knew how privileged her life was.<br />&ldquo;You should be careful,&rdquo; her friends would say.<br />&ldquo;People&rsquo;s jealousy can get in the way.<br />Not everyone has your interest at heart.<br />Some are just waiting to tear you apart.&rdquo;<br />The countess ignored their sound advice.<br />Being naive was her biggest vice.<br />Her friends didn&rsquo;t know what else to say.<br />They knew she&rsquo;d have to learn the hard way ...<br /><br />This rhyming cautionary tale looks at the pitfalls of gullibility and silliness. It is approximately 860 words.