The Hollow Stage

‘All the world ‘s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.’  (As You Like it Act 2, Scene 7)

(A Sonnet Inspired by Shakespeare)

The Hollow Stage 

We slip upon a stage unmade by hands,
as viewers' eyes, like spotlights, burn above.
Our script is scrawled in fusain, as per plans 
of carved agonies, most disguised as love.

Our opening verse in screams and gasps for breath,
then crawl through acts of mischief and of pride.
A longing laced libretto until death,
while swapping roles in masks we wear to hide.

The victim dies, the set with danger fraught,
the hero fails, the clown cries on the scene.
Elusive dreams are cheaply sold and bought.
Our exits come abrupt, precise and clean.

We play our parts yet know the truths engage,
that curtains fall and hollow is the stage.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
April 19, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Dear Sean, your expressive and impressive sonnet is an ingenious reflection of your Shakespearean inspiration. You capture the transience and ironies of life and our ultimate "exits" with amazing imagery, and rhythm and rhyme finesse. Your last line deserves a standing ovation. Applause Applause! Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
Kibble Avatar
April 19, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Thank you Susan for your visit and critique. Hope you are well. GBY
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