The spotlight
shines down—
glaring,
all too close.
A myopic eye,
full of intent.
He moves about
upon the steely stage,
fidgeting,
aware
of the spotlight’s scrutiny.
It’s quiet out here,
beneath that star.
Cold light,
harsh
against the brow.
But what is this?
A rustle.
A cough.
He bends,
turns,
to hear the source.
Amid the shadows
there is a glimpse
of humanity
within the night.
A cast of thousands—
beyond the pale,
beyond the gaze
of the solitary soul.