~


Sawdust coated planks

of worn grain and smooth edges find

toes tapping inside hard brown leather shoes,

not polished since Sunday’s *** luck

allowing scuffs formed on lonely sidewalks

to glow beneath the lights, suspended over head



The din of the crowd plays to my nerves,

Aunt Lucy’s pleated skirt moves involuntarily

with her words as she gossips to anyone who will listen

Politicians shake hands as they take the prime seats,

balding heads blocking views and causing children to giggle



Sweat beads, runs, drips on my rented suit,

speckles of gray on white linen, charging the heat

with reckless abandon as creases relax

and I adjust my belt with the precision

of the previous wearer



Thick fabric, paisley and purple, stained from age but still

magnificent in appearance, hide me from the gathering

of locals and visitors alike…when I hear the band ring up,

happy go lucky music brings this sense of urgency

to my ever quickly beating heart



Stage hands bounce back and forth and a thumbs up

lets me know it is time…

music reaches a crescendo as the curtain lifts skyward

and I am faced with the reality that has all to often been a dream

and then a nightmare



I step to the front, clear my throat,

begin counting the many eyes staring at me,

searching for greatness, brilliance, charm

and I read my poem…penned the day I lost you,

the day my heart shattered, the day my world ended



No applause today, as I stand on this sad stage

hoping the curtain drops as quickly as it rose

allowing the comedian to rescue the audience with

his offering of humor…at my expense