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Theatre

The lines are well rehearsed
The blocking to perfection
No curtain yet to elevate 
Audience anticipation 

A gentle mist wafts across
The scene is set and ready 
Our actors find a mark
Low voices slow and steady

We witness fighting
Friendship, love, a tangle of emotion
The heart it lifts or falls in time
Betrayal and devotion

Death and life parade before
A story twisty-turny
The hero has to test his heart
Through convoluted journey

All characters are woven
The plot line slowly thickens 
A tribute to the tellers
Whether Shakespeare, Brecht or Dickens

An interval, a time to breathe
Reset the scene and go
Refresh, review, reconnect
Then on we must; This Show 

Jinjagoliath
23rd September

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Tom Woody

Date: 10/9/2023 7:05:00 AM

Storytelling is a human fascination and will always be to some degree or another. Real life can be even more interesting. Nice poem Chris. I'm surprised we haven't bumped into each other before. Saw your comment on inky's poem

Christopher Grieves
Date: 10/9/2023 8:25:00 AM

It's a small world Tom, so we probably have ;) and you are correct storytelling is how we are wired. Poets have a unique opportunity to take people on a brief but impactful journey, at least that is the aspiration. Appreciate you taking the time, Tom.

Ink Empress

Date: 10/7/2023 9:59:00 AM

Brilliant write this is, i used to do plays on stage, of various plays written by shakespeare etc . I really love the way you’ve conveyed your thoughts here, and the flow is beautiful. And your use of alliterations and words truly are impressive! That last stanza especially! Stood out for me! Loved this

Christopher Grieves
Date: 10/7/2023 10:44:00 PM

You are too kind IE. I have acted and enjoyed it when I have, there is something wonderful in being the conveyor of a writer's intended emotion. Thank you for being here, Ink :-)

Christina Bowring

Date: 9/26/2023 10:18:00 AM

Ooh …. just had to read this one Christopher with my love of the theatre! In my youth, my haunting ground was mostly Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End. Loved this poem. Reminds me of all the joy, excitement of audience participation. Have you ever acted? I love the last stanza in particular especially the last line. Thank you for the reminiscence. The show must go on …. :):)

Christopher Grieves
Date: 9/26/2023 1:50:00 PM

I wrote this after a trip to Manchester's Royal Exchange to see some Theatre.. it never ceases to amaze me the artistery. I have acted a little and done some script writing too. Very enjoyable. Thank you for your interest and lovely comments :)