William Sidney Mount, American
“Could You Keep It Down in There? I’m Trying To Play Violin For Two People Who Would Rather Be Anywhere Else Right Now,” 1834
Oil on panel
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/// Young man plays violin After Dinner.
Two men listen; is he judged a winner?
Taking time for digesting,
they drink, smoking and resting.
Any pleasure they feel must be inner.
/// Working man and a middle-class dude
hear Mount play, but we can’t read their mood.
Clearly not overjoyed,
nor overtly annoyed,
do they stay to avoid being rude?
/// In this tavern, no listeners spoke.
Just what thoughts does he try to evoke?
Does he want them to feel
something ardent and real,
(or to pay for his meal, ‘cause he’s broke)?
/// He’s the person rich hedonists seek,
and it’s not for his bowing technique.
His fiddle (antique)
is a narco-boutique,
filled with potent white powders unique.