#19 - Offering an Alternative Model

Inspired by Copernicus, born this day 1473, Fay Roberts explores how paradigm shifts might find their beginnings, and how truth and obsession can combine quite spectacularly.

Most revolutions start because they have to;
thoughts that will not leave are quite enough.
A means to change the world will then ensue.

Begin with the foundations, and if they’re true,
sketch and scribe and call each concept’s bluff;
most revolutions start because they have to.

Plot out the courses, follow each one through;
acknowledge that the journey may be rough;
a means to change the world will then ensue.

Sometimes the errors leave you feeling blue,
but you must persevere - come on, get tough;
most revolutions start because they have to.

There’s no other way: the evidence accrues;
Kismet lifts you, squirming, by the scruff.
A means to change the system then ensues.

While loud detractors make the air ring blue,
your loving friends will vow you know your stuff.
Most revolutions start because they have to;
a means to change the world will then ensue.

FR

Image of Copernicus from National Geographic’s article about the astronomer, painted by by Jean-Léon Huens and commissioned by the National Geographic Society in the 20th Century
(image description in alt-text)

#15 - Puppies Undertake Apotheosis

Trawling ides, Fay Roberts finds inspiration in strange, old rituals and cycles of secretive, sanguine social structures.

Round and round the Palatine the bold young wolflings stride,
striking those who ask for it as in the days of old.
It’s hard not to be confident with gods ranged on your side.

They know full well – they’re often told – how they’re their mothers’ pride,
and all the gifts with which they’re blessed have caused them to be bold.
Round and round the Palatine the bold young wolflings stride.

Although it’s been vouchsafed to them the world is very wide,
they’d rather stay right here, at large, than risk the broader wold
(it’s hard not to be confident with odds ranged on your side).

Blood-bedecked, demanding laughs, they take their strips of hide,
and go in search of desperate girls who’re told their blows are gold.
Round and round the Palatine the bold young wolflings stride.

They’ve been persuaded to this place by older, bolder guides
who promise wisdom in exchange for something like a soul.
It’s hard not to be confident with gods right by your side.

They find their faith is strengthened, the more that they’re decried;
they’ll purge the world of opposition, never mind the scolds.
Round and round the Palatine the bold young wolflings stride;
it’s hard not to be confident with gods ranged on your side.

Lupercalia, by Andrea Camassei (c.1635), found via the Mental Floss article about the festival
(image description in alt-text)

#11 - 134340

Wishing for some kind, cold, trans-Neptunian darkness in zir migrained state, Fay Roberts circles in late with a tribute to a contested celestial wanderer who headed further out on this day in 1999.

This mournful song, this frozen king;
in mysteries of glowing ice
heavenly bodies cross and swing.

Join hands and chant around the ring,
and hearken how he paid a price;
this mournful song, this frozen king.

Tell him: no more curtseying,
democratise this frozen slice
where heavenly bodies cross and swing.

His numbers always dwindling,
though most refuse to sacrifice
their mournful song, their frozen king.

And chaos shuns quick measuring.
A simple tune? That’s far too nice
for heavenly bodies crossed to swing

So children, if you’re wondering…
pay homage still, that’s our advice
with mournful song, your frozen king
whose heavenly bodies cross and swing.

- FR

An artist’s impression of the surface of Pluto in response to data from the European Southern Observatory’s Very Big Telescope (seriously - that’s what it's called!); image description in alt-text.

#7 – Hearts of Oak

Fay Roberts outlines a story that had its movie premiere on this day 83 years ago...

Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star,
and someone heeds, and brings his wish to life.
In love and hard work – that’s where families are.

Affection’s duty holds him tight as tar.
but soft-eyed kid is drawn by showbiz fife.
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star.

Pinocchio’s ambition has no par.
His conscience tries to prick him like a knife:
In love and hard work – that’s where families are!

His boy is gone – he doesn’t know how far.
Swallowed up in grief, he mimics life...
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star.

Transformed, the lad returns, his heart ajar.
A warning gift spells out his father’s strife.
(In love and hard work – that’s where families are.)

He knows his only worth is as a spar,
surrenders breath to give his maker life.
Geppetto, mourning, wishes on a star;
In love and hard work – that’s where families are.

A still from the 2019 Italian movie of Pinocchio, by Matteo Garrone (not very like the Disney version)
Image description in alt-text

#3 - Winter Dance Party

Fay Roberts explores the events and emotions surrounding a famous plane crash.

Oh, what a way for rock ’n’ roll to die;
determined to take destiny in hand,
they flew up, shrouded by an angry sky.

Their parting words seem more than somewhat wry;
old instruments have failed to save three bands.
Oh, what a way for rock ’n’ roll to die

Now mothers faint while others scream and sigh.
That way of breaking news is firmly banned.
They flew up, shrouded by an angry sky

While those whose guilt should prick are somewhat shy,
a ringing silence floods across the land.
Oh, what a way for rock ’n’ roll to die.

The pilgrims flock to see with brimming eyes;
memorials are raised by fervent hands.
They flew up, shrouded by an angry sky

Those loved ones left behind still asking why
as new songs break and foam across the strand.
Oh, what a way for rock ’n’ roll to die;
they flew up, shrouded by an angry sky.

-FR

A poster of the gig, from the Wikipedia article. Image description in alt-text.