Even blinded by the light, I still scan the audience. Hope
to see some I know, my parents, my friends.
Each night it’s the same. From what little I make out,
I never find anyone I know who knows me.
All the culture, all the plays, the drama, the song, and dance,
all of it building me over years coming now down to this.
The final performance, put off thanks to extensions,
some due, I doubt not, to popular demand, perhaps not. It’s true.
Everything comes down to money blues.
Can we ever recoup the investments we’ve made?
The applause fades. The last encore, so
no more curtain calls toward closing night.
The curtain falls. No more chances to sight
loved ones or others at the final show tonight.
Unseen by anyone anymore, I guess the rest,
and make my way to an exit stage left.
Lanning Lee 