The Playground of Dreams


A song caresses the ache inside the heart
Softening the hardening channels of feeling
That it's been around too long already
Feeding the head tired of fighting itself
And memorising so many same names
Pairs of eyes and never learning anything
Cheating the employer borrowing time
Fearing the rough hand clasping the collar
To be discarded like spent batteries
Dreading the fate that met Casanova
Confusing the hunger with appetite
He made the profile of his own shadow					12
Implore reason to start the lute and drum
Europe is ready to hear small talents
Order the release of prison wardens
And employ them as young theatre ushers
Show the mesmerising dance of fingers
Like a Mongolian doing the Tango
A surprised Chinaman in a supply truck
Gazing at retired ninjas in kaftans
Step sons dazed in front of Japanese girls
Hooked on Game Boy and Aji no Moto
Talking paper dolls pose a grim challenge
About the facts of assuming and knowing					24
Boys they are just boys but they have whistles
On a treasure hunt in tall glass boxes
Where the order is to break speed limits
So that millions may eat fish out of tins
While musing over a story about whales
Sailors in submarines dream about smoking
In public places with their girl friends talking
About babies and expecting so much joy
Hope is soft like fresh daffodils just bought
And there is always more and more to have
Until the mothers from the windows call
To come inside from the playground of dreams				36

Siena, 12 October 2005