“LINE”

I wish I could call out: line

when the thing I should be saying

isn’t there to say.

I wish an off-stage voice

would feed me

the exact right words

and sentiment

when I go blank

so my scene partner,

who ever they are,

doesn’t feel like I have 

left them alone 

and standing 

on an empty stage.

That’s not in the script.

I am meant to play my part

until the stage directions

clearly state: [Exit.]

The truth is: I am not

an off-book actor

in rehearsal. I am 

simply myself living 

my unscripted life

opposite good people

who deserve the best

performance I can give them.

Oh great dramatist in the sky,

be my prompter

when I can’t prompt myself.

The play’s the thing, remember?