Young musicians 
Have three years
To make it
Before their parents
Demand a return
On their investment

Young musicians just
Finding their voice
When unexpected 
Pregnancies 
Force a choice

Playing with such
Passion and conviction
The energy of youth 
Controlled demolitions

Young musicians 
Against numbers
And statistics
Frontline workers
On the fight to be human

Old musicians take note
Then return to their work
Knowing most won’t survive
Another winter in New York