Singing the Defiant Requiem

Even the spoiled and masterful principal chair

Who usually jokes or wipes fake tears away from his cheek

During pieces he discounts,

Gazes up at the screen while footage

Of the herding of human beings

Into train cars takes place

Anyone on the very edge of the stage leans out

Watching without breaking gaze

Rapt and somber.

The scrolling of human suffering descends-

Cold rain washing over the edge of the stage.