Pipers play in every hamlet, their simple
Songs attracting simple souls who
Haven't brains or patience to determine
What they really want. The pipers conjure
Phantom fears, and promise what they
Can't deliver, being simple souls
Themselves. I watch. I wait to see
The bands go tumbling over precipices,
Past the point of shouting warnings.
Neither pipers nor those who are gaily
Dancing after them would heed my words,
And I'm not sure that anyone will miss
Them once they're gone.