In 1987 I attended a summer conference of Ayn Rand’s philosophy called Objectivism. The conference was held at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla and was attended by the Who’s Who of Objectivism. It was organized by George Reisman and his wife, Edith Packer. George Reisman was an economics professor at Pepperdine University and a prominent Objectivist. The UCSD campus was high up on a rock overlooking the ocean. It was a beautiful and clean campus. Perfect weather. It was great to be there, and to be alive. I was only 22 years old then. I didn’t have much of an education, but I had a great interest in ideas after reading The Fountainhead .
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| The crane is the most common bird in Monaco |
The Inspiration Behind the PoemThis poem explores the changing landscape of Monaco, contrasting the literal construction cranes dominating the skyline with the political atmosphere surrounding the palace. It touches upon themes of modern development, privacy, and the hidden tensions within a famous monarchy.
The air in Monaco is always clean
Sometimes a raven can be seen
But the crane bird is everywhere
Buildings rising here and there
All the cranes bear the same name
From a family with great fame
They rule the skies of Monaco
Better to be their friend than their foe
In the distance is the palace
Where the Prince is pacing with malice
Another day another scandal
The priest shook his head and lit a candle
Who had leaked the dirt?
To cause the monarchy so much hurt
Who made the man with the crown
Look like such a clown?
Surrounded by the wrong men
Punished by a poison pen
Though he still has his crown
Many greet him with a hidden frown
In Monaco the cranes are everywhere
Buildings rising here and there
Sometimes a raven can be seen
But the crane bird is everywhere
Buildings rising here and there
All the cranes bear the same name
From a family with great fame
They rule the skies of Monaco
Better to be their friend than their foe
In the distance is the palace
Where the Prince is pacing with malice
Another day another scandal
The priest shook his head and lit a candle
Who had leaked the dirt?
To cause the monarchy so much hurt
Who made the man with the crown
Look like such a clown?
Surrounded by the wrong men
Punished by a poison pen
Though he still has his crown
Many greet him with a hidden frown
In Monaco the cranes are everywhere
Buildings rising here and there
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| The Crane (bird) |
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| J.B. Pastor & Fils |
.jpg "Prince's Palace in Monaco — home of Prince Albert II") |
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