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This poem is copyright
A couple of weeks ago - I think it was 1997 - And I am listening To the Incredible String Band. I have been channelling Ancestors. The ancestors want to share Things like this record, Things that I love. A switch to a sense of being the being I call the God Mars. He approves of the music And suggests Perhaps I could do a search On 'Robin Williamson' on the Internet (A key member of the band) I leave the record To play And switch on the P.C. I strike gold immediately. A Robin Williamson home page. There are other links. I explore these too. It gradually dawns That the page headed "Be Glad the Song has no Ending" Is an appreciation site For the Incredible String Band. There are magazines I can subscribe to. There are new C.D.'s. There is news (Robin and Mike performing together) There are Robin's tour dates. And then I stumble On a page That is a series Of letters From fans like myself Sharing their passion Sharing their love Sharing their memories And for the first time I know I am not alone In this world Where either the band is unknwon Or is full of people Like the 3CR presenter Who dismissed them With "Anyone can play like that" For the first time I sense the existence Of other true believers. The God Mars Does not let me rest Until I too Have sent off an e-mail Sharing MY love My delight My gratitude For this site And for the continuing pleasure The band's music gives me As the morning moves into afternoon I am left with a new appreciation A new understanding Of the power That is the Internet, The ability it has To hook you Into an instant community Make you a member Of a precise niche market (When will I subscribe To that newsletter? Buy those C.D.'s?) With an understanding That only really matures As I write this That this is how it is For almost everyone - A poodle breeder, Someone searching for parts for an old Studebaker (A one-time popular motor vehicle) However specialised your community There is the chance There will be A site dedicated Especially For you.Peter Elliott - - Return to "The Circus" Index Page