The Great Pretender
I am America’s greatest
living actor.
I commit to every role
so thoroughly and honestly
that you’ve never seen
me break character, never for
a moment have you lost
your suspension of disbelief.
which floor board creaks when
stepped upon on stage? I
can tell you. which corner
brings the best cast light? Easy.
I can see myself
through your eyes.
the instant you’ve heard
enough and beg for a
change in direction, I
am aware and comply
with your unspoken request.
when I’m not on stage
I’m studying your habits,
your moods, your
telegraphed motivations.
you tell me so much,
everything really. all that
is required is observation.
you’ve seen me watching
you, noting your movements,
taking mental snapshots of your
expressions, wondering why
you nod hello to her and
ignore him. why you smile
to him, and brusquely parade
past her.
my every waking moment
is totally and effortlessly
dedicated to mastering the
characters that shape our
every day lives.
hours pass without notice
when I’m noticing you.
the clock hands collapse
like a Salvador Dali painting,
tranquility pours over me,
quenches me all the while.
watching you entertains me.
you are the true star. you
are the complicated character.
you are the hero. you are
interesting, not I.
there lies within me
an indefatigable quest:
how to be more like you,
how to become you.
this vocation I ply for free,
never asking for a credit.
who am I?
I am the clerk at the
convenience store where you
get your morning coffee,
your next door neighbor,
the cop directing traffic up
ahead, the radio deejay
keeping you company in
the wee hours, the friendly
operator on the phone.
I am anyone whose
gaze meets yours.
you’ve known all along.
Copyright © Dan Burleson | Year Posted 2007
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment