The curtain lifts
I step cautiously onto the stage
The bright lights blind me
for one short moment
And then

I'm able to see the many faces
Of everyone, staring, expectantly, at me:
My plaster smile that doesn't reach
My dull dead eyes
My steps without a purpose and
My empty, ringing voice.
Though all of them are watching
My daily numb pretense
No one sees behind the mask


beyond the costume
To the me that



cries



screams



begs to be seen
The me that is still there after
the lights go out
the curtain closes
the mask comes off
The me that must go on
with or without
The show.