––hurry, we’ll miss

the play––
draw attention, perform,
rehearse,

play that part
in that play, as

children play in lush
green gardens, swings piercing
through blue sky (get out
of my sight, go play)
––the matinée’s at twelve––
no, play that part
watch
that play. stop playing
and smell the roses
the sox
are playing wednesday

––for god’s sake
we’ll be late, does anyone care?––
don’t play me

the fool

i know you don’t care
(but i do care, i do)

so stop

and watch this play

and play your part

and play your part

and play your part...

––there. it’s over now.

i hope you’re happy, we’ve missed the show––

so i might learn mine