'til The Fat Lady sings

By the time I manage to turn up
she has usually just left
knocked off early
with a tickly cough
whisked away by her
heavily-laden batman
and swaddled in her furs

Just me, then, in the orchestra pit
midst the snapping shut
of instrument cases
the collapsing down
of music stands
and chaps
in crumpled evening suits

Always one step behind
or too far in front
just managing to be
out of the mainframe
and missing
the clapperboard
camera and action

But one day I'll arrive
centre stage
step up and do my thing;
then TFL will burst forth
with spontaneous song
the "Rule Britannia"
will be mine
and I will take my bow
ahead of her...

They think it's all over?
No, it's only just begun!