(A reflection on the first half of Verse Eight)
ACT ONE
The curtain rises on my class act, premiere in every way
I’m riding high, talented and entertaining
With commanding voice and presence
And very important things to say
ACT TWO
Alas the theatre disappoints, nothing’s OK but me
I deserve a better script, a better set,
A better cast, a much better audience
You must be my enemy if you don’t agree
ACT THREE
Tiresome monologue of I, me, and mine
Swinging barbed tail at shadowy threats
All prickly right and needling righteous
I’m alone in the spotlight, a center-stage porcupine
CURTAIN CALL
Shake off the bewitching lure of loud applause’s ring
Forsake the relished bow in lights’ hypnotic glare
Abandon now I must this pointless and illusory drama
For the play, you know, is not at all the thing
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Copyright Deborah McGlauflin 2010. All rights reserved.