After the Magician: Before the Musicians by Bob MacKenzie For about the space of half an hour in silence I wait for the rite to begin, sipping my tea Until the priest arrives at the altar with incense And calls the seven trumpeters to play their part The greatest show on earth or anywhere I know Has only just begun and the house is packed: I do not want to miss the end for anything So I sit in silence rather than lose my place Although I am awed by the special effects And by the skilful staging I am waiting Myself for the call for volunteers to come Forth from the audience so I may play my part Show me that show but give me that secret book And give me that reed like a rod and let me see The magic at work and show me that shining city And show me also behind the scenes after the show. |