Opening Night
by
Radiance Angelina Petro

Through attenuated hours and heavy-hooded eyes,
the inexact shadows, the fears running riot,
the semblances of stillness, what are we
to believe?

There are so many ready to hiss you off stage
even before the Awakening Scene,
there are those who seek to freeze you out of their lives
then high-step away, like Andalusian horses.
Yet, through the arched roof of your mouth,
and the unfolding soul, comes nothing but praise.

You are loved by many. You are encircled by angels.
When you step in from the rain, at the top of the steps
of the theater, close your umbrella slowly, like
a movie star from Paris on opening night.