Strauss was good for the upper class.
That’s Johann, not Richard,
though Richard played his part.
Johann taught the swing of things,
demi pointe and balance,
the famous Viennese pregnant pause.
He made you feel good
about the status enjoyed
by everyone you knew.
Privilege is its own reward.
But if you went lower
in the town
there’s music
and dancing too.
You could hear
by the stomping
to know where you were.