I
And that is Mary's chair -
It's always there -
Now half as old as time,
'Twill last as long again,
Inviting, beckoning,
Disclosing not the crime,
Where King alone does reign,
Fools without reckoning,
Are lured to share
The seat that's Mary's chair.

II
Ah, that is Mary's chair -
It's always there -
And from that special place
Ten topics at a time
Can she control, and call
Down shame on her foes' face;
They, who, with cheerful chime,
Or, e'en with back to wall,
Assume bold air,
Are tamed by Mary's chair.

III
Now that is Mary's chair -
It's always there -
And note the fool's surprise
Who ne'er identifies
The throne. Take heed! Be wise!
Silent the witness lies,
Before observant eyes,
Remains of countless pies -
The royal lair -
Yes, that is Mary's chair.

IV
Beware of Mary's chair -
It's always there -
Drawn by temptation's lure
Of well appointed rest,
Heedless, the fool reclines;
But King cannot endure
The loss of throne and lest
That fool forget, she whines,
"How dare you dare
To sit in Mary's chair!"

V
Did you see Mary's chair -
It's always there -
Empty and cast aside?
For brashly, Brown had told,
In turgid tones to all,
Of trendy, tested, tried,
New, firmer seats for old,
To suit frames, large or small;
And with a stare,
He sneered at Mary's chair.

VI
And that is Mary's chair -
It's always there -
Now half as old as time
'Twill last as long again.
The young may fail to see,
Hid there beneath its grime,
The strength of hardwood's grain;
How aches and pains just flee
When any care
To rest in Mary's chair.

© G. Jones    2000