I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of America. City and sky become one, merging Into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as They trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, Just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Commuvision or reading a CommuPaper in the evening. My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Forefathers Planet. We have had peace since 2062, when the surviving states were banded together under The Red Star of the Social Federation. The less fortunate elders gave us a few new moons. I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found Something that changed it all... And the meek shall inherit the earth... ...The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I Have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated And directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by The benevolent wisdom of the self called priests... Weve taken care of everything The words you hear, the songs you sing The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes Its one for all and all for one We work together, common sons Never need to wonder how or why We are the Priests of the Temples of Washington Our great computers fill the hallowed halls We are the Priests, of the Temples of Washington All the gifts of life are held within our walls Look around at this world weve made Equality our stock in trade Come and join the Brotherhood of Man Oh, what a nice, contented world Let the banners be unfurled Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand We are the Priests of the Temples of Washington Our great computers fill the hallowed halls We are the Priests, of the Temples of Washington All the gifts of life are held within our walls ... Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I Found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in My hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful... ... I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound Differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds And soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I cant wait To tell the priests about it!... What can this strange device be? When I touch it, it gives forth a sound Its got wires that vibrate and give music What can this thing be that I found? See how it sings like a sad heart And joyously screams out its pain Sounds that build high like a mountain Or notes that fall gently like rain I cant wait to share this new wonder The people will all see its light Let them all make their own music The Priests praise my name on this night I know its most unusual To come before you so But Ive found an ancient miracle I thought that you should know Listen to my music And hear what it can do Theres something here as strong as life I know that it will reach you ... In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, Expressionless faces. Priest Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed Throughout the silent Temple Hall... ... Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground My precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet... Yes, we know, its nothing new Its just a waste of time We have no need for ancient ways The world is doing fine Another toy will help destroy The elder race of man Forget about your silly whim It doesnt fit the plan I cant believe youre saying These things just cant be true Our world could use this beauty Just think what we might do Listen to my music And hear what it can do Theres something here as strong as life I know that it will reach you Dont annoy us further! We have our work to do Just think about the average What use have they for you? Another toy will help destroy The elder race of man Forget about your silly whim It doesnt fit the Plan! ... I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see The beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase... ... I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man Revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and Understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed By the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of All these things...
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 21:54:00 +0000