Palimpsest

LISTEN TO ME

The drones

The first to sound 

Tho ragged at first

With a discordant deep-throated gurgle

Sounding like a crowded room

Of foreign tongues

Clamouring for attention.

Then gathering strength

With a final tap of the bag

They snap to attention,

Unsung foot-soldiers tho they be,

Then settle into their accustomed role.

They are bedrock

Seldom noticed

Simply there.

Normally calm and steady

But subject to the whims of damp, cold

And long hard use.

They have been known to be unruly

And wander from the path.

Without the drones

All those chanters are mere

Cats in a bag.

But the drones are always there

If you listen to me.

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