Inspired by chicafrom3's 2011 Queer Fest prompt: "he doesn't understand how they can think each other more important or interesting than the game." Most of this was written for the 2012 Queer Big Bang, but I realized I wouldn't hit the length minimum so I dropped out but just finished it now. So if it seems like the word count has been padded early on, or changes tone slightly towards the end, that's probably why.
Anyway, this is the Arbiter's inner monologue, subdivided based on the tracks of the concept album. Mostly random poetry, in a few cases it can be sung to the tune of (usually instrumental) parts of the corresponding track.
Many more notes to come, no doubt.
As they sing out their song I can smile along
And my heart is as light as a bird softly feathered.
It's easy to smile when all of the while
I'm lighter than air, standing tall and untethered.
They stand in the basin or douse someone's face in
The waters purporting to cure all that ails,
With hearts full of hopes under mountainous slopes
That it'll be somebody foreign who fails.
And I hope as well, though my heart doesn't swell
With the same anthems that under breaths go half-hidden,
Hope there's no distractions, undermining actions,
Anything untoward, unkind or unbidden.
While some challenge their brains, others soften their veins
Or arteries, so they would have you believe
But I'll take a couple of steaks-plenty supple,
My heart's inner workings aren't reason to grieve.
Though gewgaws are nifty, I'm just too spendthrifty
To spring for some oversized German man's bust.
And too much of spending-well, that could start sending
The message that I'm bribable or unjust.
But Tyrol is pleasant and many are present
Or watching from faraway, over their screens
The world is tuned in to see who will win-
Why, one could imagine no lovelier scenes.
I'll be keeping busy. The heights may be dizzy
And the mountains provide more than enough..."heights."
Though I feel small beside them I still will take pride
That I've reached the summit of my career's sights.
In a hotel I'll stay in between all the play
I am not a native with roots to put down
But this is all right, it's enough for tonight,
And the couple of weeks that I'll spend in the town.