Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The minstrel in the gallery

The minstrel in the gallery looked down upon the
Smiling faces.

He met the gazes --- observed the spaces between the
Old mens cackle.

He brewed a song of love and hatred --- oblique
Suggestions --- and he waited.

He polarized the pumpkin-eaters --- static-humming
Panel-beaters --- freshly day-glowd factory cheaters
(salaried and collar-scrubbing).

He titillated men-of-action --- belly warming, hands
Still rubbing on the parts they never mention.

He pacified the nappy-suffering, infant-bleating
One-line jokers --- t.v. documentary makers
(overfed and undertakers).

Sunday paper backgammon players --- family-scarred
And women-haters.

Then he called the band down to the stage and he
Looked at all the friends hed made.

The minstrel in the gallery looked down on the
Rabbit-run.

And threw away his looking-glass - saw his face in
Everyone.

Jethro Tull

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