actor

actor
       shape-shifter
             prevaricator
   master of disguises

the one honest man.

yr. heart hugs
    the props and tidy dialogues
       the fears and aching misconceptions
      the waking dreams and wonder
all together.

in the middle
    of the platform
       at the focus of attention,
    you are coaxing us,
          tempting and teasing
            us to the stage

like some great
       tippling toddler
       afraid of the dark.

       you want to press us
            against the sweaty shirt on
                yr. chest

too busy giving
   love away
      even to take
a bow.