Cue

By Gary Glauber

She is touched by love within war,

yet makes an effort to avoid what

keeps her awake nights.

 

She is lovely & disciplined,

preparing routines ten times over,

pleased with what the mirror relates.

 

She memorizes all her father’s concerns,

yet dutifully heads into this twisted world,

a naïve pilgrim seeking progress.

 

She learns powers of well-placed laugh,

understated force of irresistible smile,

advantages nature has dealt her.  

 

She deploys them cautiously,

sorting out which litanies apply,

which are mere jealous fodder.

 

She is ready for red curtain’s rise,

for whatever harsh judgments await,

for lines delivered like practiced prayer.

 

She narrows focus, takes aim & acts,

playing her part with easy aplomb,

a ticking grenade destined to explode.

 

She lets lights awaken in her

notions of pure professionalism,

the driving idea that show must go on.

 

She enters, laughing.

Gary Glauber is a poet, fiction writer, teacher, and former music journalist.  His works have received multiple Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominations. He champions the underdog to the melodic rhythms of obscure power pop. His two collections, Small Consolations (Aldrich Press) and Worth the Candle (Five Oaks Press), and a chapbook, Memory Marries Desire (Finishing Line Press), are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly from the publishers.