The Christmas tree is lit
a talent show begins.
I am next.
I speak and read
a poem I call "Hope."
The audience applauds.
Others go up and
some come back down.
Some leave.
Singing love songs,
making jokes,
they perform in various ways.
I am next again,
for the second and
the last time.
I sing of greed,
war, violence, and cruelty.
When I am finished
there is silence.
Complete, heavy, prolonged.
And then,
applause breaks out.
Loud, enveloping, appreciated.
Two others goes up.
And then,
it is over.