One Like a Dry Fallen Leaf

A fool is like a dry fallen leaf.
Tread as carefully as you like;
the moment it is stepped on, it crackles aloud.

A fool is like a dry fallen leaf.
You may wish to press it in a book and keep it,
but it only crumbles away.

A fool is like a dry fallen leaf.
Unable to stay in one place,
it flies wherever the wind blows.
Such a one, so foolish and so dry—
even if someone tries to lead them into wisdom,
they will fall apart of their own accord.