* * *

I knew about the ruse and I

waited to be told the truth

(wittingly--unwittingly)

my silence stole the spot from stage

and blinded me stage-center.

So I stood up as not to ruin

the curtain call of us--

and tossed my roses on the stage

waiting for the extra act

reconciliation

even while I stood outside

waiting for acknowledgment

"Sign my program, would you please?"

Then I thought that they would see

I played apart--

it says so here:

Clair: the audient (my name)

but my moment never came

as I stood outside the cast

watching them blow kisses then

they went on

to their party

to wait for the reviews.

* * * * *

"Scathing brilliance!"

(New York Times)

"Five-star entertainment plus"

I wept as they rejoiced.

"...superb casting overcame

the labored writing of cliche'"

Impromptu had saved the day

on the night I lost my voice...

* * * * *

Home, again, it's 3:16,

I'm out of coffee, so I make

some tea and add vanilla too,

to sooth the bitter sweet.

* * * * *

All that it takes to lose one's way

is to stare at blinking lights

so long that they imprint the eyes

blazing louder than old Sol...

(sometimes that keeps me up all night)

It's why advisors preach and scold--

"Write from what you know." They chant,

as I confessed:

"I do not know"

the ruse became reality

as proven quite collectively

by thunderous applause.

* * *