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The Pact

Theatergoers at a show Hope it is guaranteed That reality’s suspended, Which is all we really need. Both the audience and actors Enter in a silent pact: In the seats, we block our problems; On the stage, they grandly act. It’s a tacit understanding That we’re all there to escape, Though the methods we have chosen May assume a different shape. When the actor is performing, Disappearing in his role, All his real-life issues vanish And he’s tightly in control. If he does his job correctly, That’s the ticketholder’s dream; For the world upon that stage Is all there is, so it would seem. We don’t need to sign a contract For the theater’s sealed the deal: While the curtain’s up we’re certain What we’re witnessing is real.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012




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Date: 5/21/2012 4:22:00 PM
A belated congratulations on a superb entry with a witty twist! You craftily stated more than one perspective and summed it up brilliantly! I always look forward to reading your work! :) Gwendolen
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Date: 5/21/2012 11:37:00 AM
A deserving win! I like this very much as I've done theater myself...on a fairly small scale. I love it, though.
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Date: 5/21/2012 7:41:00 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Paula Swanson's "Pact" contest Ilene. Love, Carol
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Date: 5/20/2012 5:07:00 PM
Awesome write.....congrats on your win. Hugs
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Date: 5/20/2012 3:15:00 PM
congrats on the win. Wel deserved.
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Date: 5/20/2012 12:02:00 PM
Congrad's on your fine write winning. Light & Love
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Date: 5/20/2012 8:37:00 AM
I would not have thought of this, but how right you are! Buying that ticket is indeed a pact that you will be entertained! Good twist to the contest!
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Date: 5/20/2012 6:33:00 AM
Great poem, with complex interactions... Congrats... Terry
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Date: 5/20/2012 5:09:00 AM
Beautiful ilene! It flowed like a sweet river. Congratulations to you for a much-deserved win ...Samia
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Date: 5/20/2012 2:06:00 AM
ilene, congrats on your big win..David
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Date: 5/20/2012 12:38:00 AM
Congratulations Ilene a worthy winner xx
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Date: 5/19/2012 10:03:00 PM
Congratulations on your big win Ilene. A great take on the contest. Love, Joyce
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Date: 5/19/2012 9:30:00 PM
Terrific write Ilene. My wife and I simply love the theater and yes, we figuratively sign the pact as we enter the theater. Beautifully written and rhymed. Nice going. Joe
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Date: 5/17/2012 7:18:00 PM
Beautifully written!!! (what else?!) Again, a theme that not many others think of, but you accomplish it with great aplomb! Smoooooth as silk!! Keith
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Date: 5/17/2012 9:30:00 AM
now this one is totally creative, ilene... the connection between performer and observer is amazing... well done!.. my winning bet!..:) huggs!
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Date: 5/17/2012 9:30:00 AM
now this one is totally creative, ilene... the connection between performer and observer is amazing... well done!.. my winning bet!..:) huggs!
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