It’s rather hard, a poet’s life —
who wants to be a poet’s wife?
A poet’s not a proper man —
he’s rather more like Peter Pan.
His income is his name in print —
you’d think this chap could take a hint;
why won’t he be a real adult?
If his wife leaves him, who’s at fault?
A poet is a charming lad
but loving one will end up sad;
‘cause when he’s old, he’ll still be poor,
just like that young man you fell for.
A poet’s fit for summer love
but back in school you must think of
stability and your career —
so have that poet disappear.
A poet’s life is rather dull —
he’s sitting there, with stuff to mull;
you’re rarely in a restaurant —
is that the life you really want?
A poet reaching middle age
and he still makes a young man’s wage;
he won’t have kids nor buy a home —
he’s working on his new poem.
A poet’s life will end in grief
‘cause you can’t change his set belief
that, choosing the right words, he’ll make
an apathetic world awake.
Text, narration & production © 2021 C. Kurtz.
Music: John Dowland, “The Lady Rich.”