Gaudeamus Igitur
Billy and his babe, armed, up on the roof,
Appears at this distance, well - quite aloof;
One bullet drills headmaster through the eye,
His gown flutters, he flops like a magpie.
She cocks one leg like a stork and giggles,
Puts a hand on her hip, pouts and wiggles;
'Oh, neat one Billy! another dead bod,
I say, there's quite a pile down in the quad.'
Matron by the oak, dashes for the door,
Too late! - her tartan skirt splattered in gore.
That fat kid, bailed up, holding in his tum,
Is gut-shot, why he's screaming for his mum.
The chaplain holds up his crucifix, begs
Them to stop, but cops one between the legs.
Billy dreams he's in a computer game
Against his will and every day's the same;
Enough! enough! enough! enough! enough!
He has no future, couldn't give a stuff -
Gets a head in his sights, sees it explode;
Takes the girl from behind and blows his load.
This is the world then, what it has become;
Therefore, let us rejoice - evil's great fun!
© Stephen Oliver
Gaudeamus Igitur
The title of this poem is taken from one of the oldest
known European student songs, usually sung in the original Latin,
as celebration of the 'free and easy student life'. The melody
is notably famous as a German student drinking song from at least
as early as the 17th century. Even today, many a middle aged German
businessman will sentimentally recall Gaudeamus Igitur and
the lost youth of his student days. The melody first became popular
through its inclusion in "Akademische Fest-Ouveture" for orchestra
by Brahms, published in 1881. I would suggest to the reader that
if he or she wants a Hollywood version of the song (not without
its appeal) then Mario Lanza's rendition of the following verse
from the 'Student Prince' is as rousing as any. Otherwise, I recommend
the legendary Viennese baritone, Eric Kunz: German University
Songs, Vol. 1. My poem is, therefore, to be seen within this
context as reminiscent of '70s movies like 'If' and 'The Ruling
Class'. A translation of the familiar, first verse from the Latin
is as follows:
Gaudeamus igitur,
Juvenes dum sumus;
Post jucundam juventutem,
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus.
While we're young, let us rejoice.
Singing out in gleeful tones;
After youth's delightful frolic
And old age (so melancholic!)
Earth will cover our bones.
[from 'Ballads, Satire and Salt: A book of diversions' , Greywacke
Press, Sydney, 2003.
©
Steven Oliver |
