Stage-Door Romeo - A Villanelle Poem by Glenn Bagshaw

The need to carry on makes me forget
the romances I rehearsed by long routine.
And any truth in me is so well kept.

When sneaking down the street, where’s Juliet?
I left her and that yonder-window scene.
The need to carry on makes me forget.

A paper hero strides his cardboard set
swordplays by lies; all dull and never keen.
And any truth in me is so well kept.

A farce with undercurrents of regret.
With girls at nights and matinees, I’m mean!
The need to carry on makes me forget.

I entered stage-left certain of my bet
that dirty roles, at curtain, left me clean.
And any truth in me is so well kept.

I should have played at pistol-quick roulette
not play with every Desdemona teen.
The need to carry on makes me forget.
And any truth in me is so well kept