Playing at the Palace

I wrote this after visiting Peterhof and seeing the trick fountains.

      Playing at the Palace

Peter the Great was a practical
joker. First he had his people
build his city on a swamp.
Next he had trick fountains
soak his guests at Peterhof.
Then he promised his son a
pardon if he returned to Russia
where he tortured him to death.
Only a monarch makes such jests,
mocking all until his final breath.