Pink satin shoes and a tiptoed entrance,
hair ribbons, backstage jitters,
made-up faces, dark brows, red hot lips,
cardboard windows, painted landscapes
on the land of make-believe.

Music shows and late night talks,
red wine, laughter, and apple cobbler,
no fudge, please – must watch my weight.
Daring walks through bad parts of town;
who fears the beast? I’m bold and so bad.

Opening night screaming meemies,
closing night willies and goodbyes,
don’t give into tears, let’s have a bash!
My… that applause! I thought you were grand.
But on to the next show, landlord needs cash.

Cardboard windows… painted landscapes…
illusions and dreams washed away by time
now sunset whispers dark poesies to me
terrycloth slippers, pink fuzzy robe; I listen
and rock, as I wait for my last curtain call.

Carmen Ruggero ©2005