If I went on stage and tried to tell them
what I think is the use of Poetry,
they would not laugh, would not find that funny
and they would not agree with my theses –
although they might hear another word there.
As do I.
Think “shit”. I, too, am childish.
Few could give a response more than “Get off”.
They do not understand logical thought.
They do not respect people who debate.
Which is not to say that they are stupid.
It is, though, better not to speak anything.
Words do not last long in a mob before
they turn back into grunts and pre-verbal
experiments in threatening and fear.
If they asked, I would say “Poetry’s fun”;
but that’s because I enjoy being liked
more than I want to make our lives worthwhile.
It is my cowardice, not their bravery,
which undermines attempts to be truthful
and ensures that idiots are heard the most.
--
Bartender: You really think the world's gonna end?
Ford: Yes.
Bartender: Shouldn't we lie down? Put paper bags over our heads or something?
Ford: If you like.
Bartender: Would it help?
Ford: Not at all.
Lawrence Upton
AHRC Creative Research Fellow
Dept of Music
Goldsmiths, University of London
|