As Honest As I Can

Gentle murmur

Spreads from the lobby

To inside the theatre.

It’s nearly a full house

For the Sunday matinee,

Which is usually subdued,

If not comatose.

But not today.

A throng of activists
Have arrived to see their friends,

And there’ll be no shortage of energy.

Theatre folks not only make

The best theatre, they’re

The best audience.

Why?

The default mode is support.

And if those on stage respect the work,

The reward comes in waves.

Lights flicker, then dim as 

The taped welcome begins

And, at last, ends.

Lights go completely out.

It’s true. 

You can hear a pin drop;

The focus in the room is tangible;

A breathing, living force.

And we’re off!
Another walk on the wire,

One careful, yet joyous,

Step at a time.