Prestissimo or Largo

Some carry, some are carried back –

some never finish that C flat soundtrack –

some feast on salsa, mezzoforte or piano –

intone a mighty bass, sing adequate soprano,  

become the spouse who waits to nab you

or the guy who waits to pay the tab you

leave when you too often to the bar go.

Serendipity decrees the show

and every starring and subsidiary role.

Bowls will fill and bells will toll

at random or be rung,

inflammatory songs be sung

which land you in the slammer.

But whether you’re the nail or hammer,

bow politely or give lip

to who-or-what commands the ship

prestissimo or largo,
you’re the precious cargo.

.