front-row critic

Sometimes, you just want to step
back from your life, make some popcorn -
sit down and watch, spellbound! But

all of the actors would get confused
and the show would grind, and grind
in fits and starts - like it always does

when you try to take a break, from being
you. Their eyes turn

in awkward and piteous appeal
- they can't put it in words,
it's not in the script - can't break
character, that would reflect
on them - they really do

give a shit, sometimes

and you say "OKAY! I was just

hungry for a big bag of butter
and salt, and puffed fluffy
kernel-y CORN. Hold your horses,"

you'll be right there. The relief
onstage is a cross to be borne.