busker(s)

photography by man of aran

from the archives, somewhere in Japan, mid-1980s (photos: alan girling)

buskers in Japan 

I work the plazas, crosswalks, of other lands
      carry mine in a violin case 

as if possessed, I lift my instrument
      not me, the maestro above 

I draw my bow, as melodies pour out
      I cannot help but do a little jig 

strings of this tiny string section, I play in tow
      you bow, I bow, we bow

people stop, linger, the magic of our duet 
      promising us a tomorrow 

paired in gratitude
      I bow, you bow, we bow

take a bow