famous.last.words

stage stretches out
like a precipice. && i am staring down, && i. i would’ve
jumped. . .but the title
on your ticket didn’t match
the screenplay for that part

some six acts after
&& the empty post-show silence
is the only witness as i shed
the same skins you wouldn’t recognize
the face on stage without. All behind
a layer of curtain covering. Not so
impenetrable. if you knew me,
i’d’ve helped you in. if. . .

&& i’ve heard this story
so many times before (haven’t you?) i know it
line by line. word for word. && one after another,
every( )one's in character. But when i mean
what i'm saying, i'll slur && stir the sounds,
i'll stumble on all the syllables. . .if you would
pay more.close attention to the message
in my mouth. . . .i would've jumped.
i would've jumped. . . . .i would've. . .
said goodbye backstage, i'll say goodbye backstage,
or atleast-from- && wonder if
your voice is one lost in the hollow applause

but the title on your ticket didn’t match
the screenplay for that part
it never did.