[This is a rather unsubtle play on 'How Much is That Doggy in the Window?' (Yes, that classic!). I wrote it when I was up in Aberdeen, but I don't have the faintest idea where it materialised from. (For any Aberdonians that might be reading, it was absolutely nothing to do with you. I promise!). The whole notion of desire has kicked my brain into gear on many occasions. What do we want in life? Why do we want it? And what are the consequence of our wanting and our getting what we want - if that ever occurs? Now, I freely admit that desires are not always a bad thing, which shows this poem up to be a little on the cynical side, but equally it is a sad reality that a lot of the things we hanker for just ain't going to do us any good in the long run: a fact that we can, very unfortunately, often find out too late.]
How much is that statue in life's window
The one with the piecing green eyes
How much is the statue in the window
I do hope it's a reasonable price
How much is the statue in the window
The one that so captivates me
How much is the statue in the window
It's all that I've wanted you see
How much is the statue in the window
I'm sucked in by its bohemian charms
It has diamonds like eggs for a necklace
And small silver pistols for arms
Its body is golden and radiant
Sparkling with glamorous sheen
How much is the statue in the window
It's the most striking that I've ever seen
The statue looks smug as it beckons
Its features split wide in a grin
It smiles a beguiled invitation
I look for the door and walk in
How much is the statue in the window
I must have it now without fail
How much is the statue in the window
Please tell me the statue's for sale
The shopkeeper smiles much like the statue
"Come, come, let's not talk about price
I'll give you the statue for free, my lad
Just lean in and heed my advice
"There are plenty more statues like that my lad
One for each day of the year
You can have all the statues you want my lad
That's a cast iron promise, don't fear
"Just walk with me lad to the back room
There are some papers you might like to sign
If you stick with me lad you'll be sorted
If you stay with me lad you'll be fine"
Circumstance then was confounding
I don't recall too much at all
A knife, some blood and a promise
A stumble, a trip and a fall
How much was that statue in the window
I think as I walk from that place
The mark on my forehead glows faintly
With a light part deceit, part disgrace
