CURTAIN RAISER

Channel 14 in the Key of C

His horse, off-stage, spent, standing by the kliegs

And cameras, unmasks and smokes his cigarette,

He speaks to all of us. Note the tilt

Of his square-cut jaw, the cleft in his chin,

How the simple bandana half covers his ample

Adam's apple—in spasm at exhale.

Justice is done. His name is Rock

Or Adam Something, but now he will confess

"My name is…" any Tom, Telemachus, or Dick

Just like the rest of us.

I am not persuaded.

And now, profile, close up, in American English

He explains why this here filtered cigarette

Gives me pleasure.

Next program.

Too soon the image fades. I linger with him,

Still admire the clean-cut of The Cowboy, his V

Torso, his two side-slung six-shooters.

I am still out West, to find what he is like,

This man, daring to be the father of my country.