Pied Piper (2001)

for Marta

Today, when all the world thinks different

Is wrong, you pipe the happy songs that call

To every person who, like you, is bent

To keeping young his heart and mind and soul.

You pipe to every corner of the earth

And when your hearers rise to follow you

You smile your smile of merry, youthful mirth

And blow your pipe and play your gleeful tune.

Your piping song has never been forlorn

Each measure rings with joy, true, loud, and long,

And though you may feel gloomy or careworn,

Your piping music rings pure still, and strong.

That charm exhaled in song the world enchants:

So piper, pipe, and let the whole world dance.