Monday 9 August 2010

On The Death of The Actor

ON THE DEATH OF THE ACTOR
Why is it so dark in this theatre?
is the play over?
Has the audience gone?
Have the actors left the stage?
Why is this theatre so dark?

Your part in the play is over
The actors are still on stage
There has never been much of an audience
We have written out your part
You won't be replaced,
though there'll be others to follow
We still see the light
The darkness is your last, dying illusion
© GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Sheffield, 14th February 1973

Publications

1973 Wheels (UK)
1999 Black Creek Review (USA)

1 comment:

  1. You chose a good setting.

    I never know which to prefer. The Ages of Man from As You Like It Or Macbeth's ranting, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

    I think I like Macbeth better. Thanks for making me look that up.

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