Noise, headache. I focus, to avoid
the inevitable onslaught of
jitters. Inhale; one, two. Exhale;
Seven, four, fifteen. Heartbeat.
Rushing, scrambling. Tech crew
toting a bench, missing my ear
by three inches. Backdrops tacked,
props placed, dancers' bosoms duct
taped. Stage heels ready, voice
warmed and waiting. Check.
Twelve, six, thirteen. Heartbeat.
Ropes swing, nearly tripping the
male lead. Hushed apologies,
director's last minute tips. Scent
of glue, shoe polish, and hairspray.
A chorus soprano has a cold; sneeze.
Nineteen, twenty one, three. Heartbeat.
Impatient audience. Pit tuning trumpets,
violins. A baby screams. I peek
through the curtains, stomach
pretending confidence. Inhale.
Eight, seventeen, nine. Heartbeat.
Hush, breathe. Smile, it's time. Curtain is
pulled, spotlights are lit. Lines are remembered,
and confidence is suddenly true.
Forty two, ten, zero. Blood slows, mind
races. What I live for, come to pass.
Eleven, sixteen, five. Heartbeat.
One, two. Heartbeat.
Author notes
A 'pit' is the group of musicians accompanying a musical. (Usually an orchestra of some sort.)
Thank you for your consideration.
A contest entry
- The Field or Court; the Stage; the Symphony Hall by Peripatetic.
1500 points, ended December 7, 2008, 8 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Waiting by just sam.
650 points, ended June 24, 18 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
-
This piece wasn't actually what I first thought I wanted for this contest, but it is such a marvelous piece. You've caught the image of chaos and I commend you. Imagery and great flow really made this piece. Congratulations and thankyou for entering.
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The refrain of the measuring of breath and heartbeat is used to marvelous effect. I find myself reading this in the same way, controlling my breathing, willing my heart to resume a normal pulse as I wait for the curtain to rise.
The last minute forestage and backstage activity gives the reader even more of a sense of the distractions to concentration which the player is so desperately trying to focus in the moments brought to life for us here.
The poet’s use of enjambment and caesura give the poem a sense of the rushing thoughts of lines, notes, timing and places competing with awareness of ambient activity. These along with the refrain allow us to join in the process by which the player brings coherence to the last minute confusion.
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