"Three Thousand Nukes" (proto-poem)

Three thousand nukes and they talk about the weather
Go in, go out, or just spin out on the lawn.

How hard does it have to get
Before people say that's all over
How long before
they come in from the rain.

All these years you've been asking,
are there eight beats or are there four
You need all eight beats for dancing
and four just march to war.

How hard does it have to get
Before people say that's all over
How long before
they come in from the rain.


Note:  the second line was revolting as 'go in, go out, or just shit out on the lawn' and the purpose was to match the depravity of three thousand nukes but it's a revolting way to do it and I'm not satisfied it is valid.


Eight beats are on my mind from Swing Kids.  Maybe another look at "All That Jazz" would be good but 'show time' isn't an ironic thing anymore.  Or Fosse and Mr Bojangles, that would be just fine.

1.2.3.4 5.6.7.8

He blows it eight-to-the-bar, in boogie rhythm

Dance, dance, dance

Here's a whole different dance.  As a young man they will call you 'mister' in mockery.  In-between, the word isn't used that much except as a tired formality.  It doesn't come back except to some older men and then it's a sign of ultimate respect.  It's an unusual word.  Nevertheless, here is Mister Ben Vereen.