I.
Black-and-grey set-up, mechanical language
prefaces the stage, will the audience hold the script
and yet keep their peace? The actor misses their cue,
not wanting to enter something they cannot exit
by their own means.
II.
There is a speck on the backdrop of tropical rain.
It is inches away from the blonde head
of an actress mouthing the villain's lines,
afraid he will mess them up, or perhaps
she is living two roles at once, inside her.
III.
Only people in ominous purple-black masks
stick to their lines. That makes them darlings,
for the audience loves to hate.
IV.
Two minutes to curtain call, and yet
watermelon-red light still going,
as if it will never switch off, never go dark,
but it will.
Points:
Time spent:
IP address:
Canary word: Present
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Original Text:
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139,347 Literary Works • 672,540 Reviews
ok, so I was like in a theatre myself as I read this... that's how good it was!! I cannot get over how much I am obsessed with this! like how?? this I guess, is talking about life as we know it, it is a constant preparation for the final performance but then again it all comes to an end.. at least that's in my opinion. regardless, this is gold and I really think you put yourself out there bravo, bravissimo. I absolutely loved it!!
Thanks for the review! I find your interpretation of the meaning lovely
Hi! Here is a short review!
I think the idea of becoming so absorbed in the performance that you can't get your head out of it is a wonderful idea.First of all, I really enjoyed this poem. It transported me into the scene of being backstage, even though that is something I have never experienced. I could really put myself in the character's mind and the sort of mindset that can be had when doing this sort of thing, with lines such as
My favorite line was this, I just thought that was interesting.
I liked the stylistic choices you made- using roman numerals to split up the poem into separate stanzas.
I feel that the very last line was a little weak- it certainly didn't break the whole poem, but I feel like it didn't fit very well. Perhaps it was too overly simple for this poem.
Overall, I really enjoyed this poem! It transported me into the scene, even though I have never been in the situation described.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the review! I agree with your point on the last line - it does feel a bit too abrupt, and I do plan on changing it when I revise this poem. Thanks again!