Lost In Crowds - Ian Anderson

I get lost in crowds: if I can, I remain invisible

To the hungry mouths.

I stay unapproachable.

I wear the landscape of the urban chameleon.

Scarred by attention.

And quietly addicted to innocence.

At starry parties where, amongst the rich and the famous

I’m stuck for words: or worse, I blether with the best of them.

I see their eyes glaze and they look for the drinks tray.

Something in the drift of my conversation bothers them.

So, who am I?

Come on: ask me, I dare you.

So, who am I?

Come on: question me, if you care to.

And why not try to interrogate this apparition?

I melt away to get lost in this quaint condition.

In scary airports, in concourses over-filled,

I am detached in serious observation.

As a passenger, I become un-tethered when

I get lost in clouds: at home with my own quiet company.

Herald Tribune or USA Today.

Sauvignon Blanc or oaky Chardonnay.

Asleep for the movie.

Awake for the dawn

Dancing on England and hedgerows —

Embossed on a carpet of green.

I descend and —

Forgive me — I mean to get lost in crowds.