Xcp:  Streetnotes: Winter  2004
Streetnotes Winter 2004 xcp

 
 
Christopher Mulrooney
 

the townsman
 
 
 
 
o oppidan of the house come here
and give me heed
credence I crave for a word
look here you are with sold
properties abounding and not
yet so much with larder
you are cash-rich you are sunk
I beg to say in certain indifferent investments
therefore I say to you look ye to here
before you the town ye have sold
as was it to no use before you
before a likewise judge meet for fitting
word and praise together for the nonce
what other councillors may say thereafter
simply means ye are bilked and that
right swiftly
 
frighted as ye are from your houses
by a gang of idle ruffians hired to this purpose
alone you have left off paying quit rent
so to have your mortgage won in speculation
on some grander emprize
 
oh ye are good ye are wise
 
know all men by these presents
the ermined key-man who closes shop and shutters town for a few years
and overnight is known as the chief bidder on a small town plot
he names for a freehold appertaining to new seigniorage
under diverse names and foundries
under the plastic name submitted by force majeure
at the appointed time and place
and you are ensconced no more
but have your papers to peddle
on the declining wharf
 
but so you dispraise all else to seem you the happier of all men
by these presents such that thereabouts any
in hearing of the newsboys' cries
withers at the sight of you
impotently decrying the turn of fortune
so sudden your way out
and slow as Christmas on the upside
alas and heu
for you
yes you
 
 
 

 
 


  (c)Christopher Mulrooney 2004


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