[ɪ] slick [ɒ] numb [i:] each [əʊ] broke [e/ eə:] edge [ai] strikes

[ei] tail [ɜː] words [ʊə/ u/ u:] new [au] town [æ] sad [ɑ:] heart

The Folk Singers

Re-turning time-turned words,
Fitting each weathered song
To a new-grooved harmony,

They pluck slick strings and swing
A sad heart's equilibrium.

Numb passion, pearled in the shy
Shell of a country love

And strung on a frail tune,

Looks sharp now, strikes a pose

Like any rustic new to the bright town.

Their pre-packed tale will sell

Ten thousand times: pale love

Rouged for the streets. Humming
Solders all broken hearts. Death's edge
Blunts on the narcotic strumming.