The Magician

Black Powder
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He waits offstage, his posture tense,
his gaze locked on the audience -
his first in years.

He blots the sweat that wets his face,
then walks onstage and gets in place,
amidst their cheers.

In bowtie, vest and dinner tails,
he's dressed down to his fingernails.
His face is flushed.

His eyes close tight, his breathing slows,
beyond his sight, the tension grows
The house is hushed...

If he can pull from knurled old trunks,
the Magic that their world debunks,
he can pretend

(at least until the curtain rolls) 
it's still his show, and he controls
it in the end.

Illusion casts no lasting spell.
No, in conclusion, he's not well, 
so... shifting gears,

he lifts his hat to loud applause,
black powder sifting out like gauze...

and disappears... *


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Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Awtry Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 1:23 AM
excellent! Congratulations!
Gauthier Avatar
January 1, 2019 at 1:05 PM
Back with warm congrats, Lycia. A beautiful read.
Cornish Avatar
January 1, 2019 at 12:53 PM
What a very creative write Lycia and a well deserved top ten.
Canerdy Avatar
December 30, 2018 at 8:30 PM
CONGRATS on your well-deserved win, Lycia. Janice
Toney Avatar
December 30, 2018 at 3:58 PM
Lycia, congrats on your win on mile 6 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon contest. With this poem you introduced me to the Tail-Rhyme. Brilliant! I loved the way you took us through his tortured performance to the final explosive applause (or lack thereof) :) BOOM! At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it :) ~Mark
Gondolf Avatar
November 11, 2018 at 1:58 PM
This is so wonderfully written, LyLy, I love the form, I must try it some time. John
Harding Avatar
November 16, 2018 at 5:20 PM
Thank you, John! Yes, I greatly enjoy the Tail Rhyme. I have a couple more, if you'd like to read them. See: 'Each Spangle From Your Tree' and 'Poseidon's Realm'
Raven Avatar
November 10, 2018 at 1:13 PM
Hi Lycia, dropping by wimy congratulations on your much deserved win in Brian's contest. have a wonderful sunday. Hugs....Mike. XX
Watson Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 3:46 PM
What an intriguing use of the title,Lycia and so atmospheric!
Harding Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 4:40 PM
Hi Wendy! Thank you. LyLy xoxo
Gauthier Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 2:57 PM
A lovely scenario, Lycia. Love your poem.
Harding Avatar
November 7, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Thank you, LG! xoxo
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