I. Notes From A Pawnshop Window
Rows upon rows of needless knickknacks
Carrying on as you come to attention.
One cobalt salt shaker among many
Is recognizable when with the others.
If taken from here, it would be rescued
To be used, where its distinction would
Illuminate something different, would highlight
Another collection, in another room.
II. Stock Situation
Riverboats afloat like dice —
The gentlemen can raise you,
The rascals can see you
Nodding in silent reconnaissance.
The suit of spiritual indifference
Changes hands and the truth is withheld
Until we lose ourselves in the tease
And we commit
To what we've captured from them,
What they've given away
As they silently lie.
III. Shell Game
Pick your patterns, mister, step right up.
Guess where the gold is laid;
Under one of these, even I don't know which one,
But I'm willing to wager you can tell.
All you do is pay up, and let me show you what
The gold looks like...
Now try.
See! You got it.
I owe you a dog
To make a little girl smile
When thinking daddy —
So whattaya say,
Wanna play?
