The Stage

The scenery is painted
The props are lying by
The hands all know their places
The actors all know their lines
The stage is set

 

People filter in
Programs are bought
Seats are found
Conversations are hushed
The audience is ready

 

The curtain rises
You take a breath
And step out into the spotlight
You start the show
With a mighty wail

 

And time does pass
As if in years
As you act
A life
Upon the stage

 

The words you speak
Are of your heart
Not of a script
As you make the role
Your own

 

With love and laughter
With tears also, too sometimes
You act the ups
You act the downs
Your character experiences

 

You feel as if you're growing
In your time upon the stage
You are becoming wiser
As you immerse yourself
And give it all you have

 

You wish it would last forever
But like all shows, this too must end
With a single tear, a fond regret
You give one last bow and leave the stage
The curtain ringing down