Feb 9th

in the wings

in half light

alone

hard by the tabs

in the hollow shaft of air

far beneath the flies

and you are rocking

to the pre-show

swaying

you can hear the people

rustling

this and that of

what they’re saying

the music coasts a little closer

to your cue

when you will step into

the light

to speak your words

beg for attention

invite

participation

in the act

you are confident

and nervous

just enough

to make it

work

I heart that moment

in the dark

between the waiting

and the ON switch

I try to hold it

fast

remember

never take it

for granted

be so grateful

for each standby in the wings

in the half light

hard by the tabs

on the brink

of

that sweet thing

of doing

what you love.

linktr.ee/janeclifton