Upon the stage I stand - aware,

as a thousand eyes upon me stare.

Weeks of rehearsals - not one have I missed!

At last they all come down to this.



A few deep breaths from relaxation,

I anxiously await the great elation

that occurs when their energy combines with mine,

and so I deliver my opening line.



The bright lights make it hard to see

the audience that praises me.

Though I cannot view each smile

their applause makes it all worth while.



For one moment reality

is not all that it seems to be

Gaudy costumes and make-up hide

the person that I am inside.



The story I am partly telling,

the fabled land in which I'm dwelling,

are no longer an illusion that I am creating,

but instead a truth I am contemplating.



I take my bow, the curtain falls,

and all around me heavy walls -

of fact and truth come crashing down.

I remove my make-up, hat, and gown.



I take the key and unlock the door

to the person that I was before - the play began.

So somewhat sadly, with a sigh,

to my character I say, "Goodbye."