Didn't You Know That? (For Harry Chapin) Poem by Mark Money

it didn't take too long-
just a rabbit against the system
going sixty's no time to stop, didn't you know that?
then when it ended, your eyes were closed (i saw them)
your fingers were clutching only empty.
they used to pluck and play
and people would sway and clap
and lap it up just the way you told it.
you sold it to us;
you didn't ram it down us
and we all loved you; didn't you know that?

even before you were gone
even before you were on the road down,
they took your title and gave it to some yellow box.
i didn't hear you protest
just life and your free concerts
just not too much time for sandy and the five j's.
will they need you now? yes.
as much as before? no, more.
well, we all need you; didn't you know that?

© (1981—Tulsa, OK)