'Where Do I Begin? ' Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

One has to listen to comprehend.
And one has to interact with others,
With a respect given and it given back.

One has to observe body language.
And how that is interpreted,
With feelings to empathize to recognize...
As one's eyes and ears are opened wide.

One has to know Math, English and Psychology,
To deliver and receive,
In natural and believable conversation...
Without an ego exposed to leave that unseen.

'Are you kidding?
I don't want to do that.
I just want to act.
I want to be a star! '

Performing requires acts of devotion and discipline.
If you are not willing to begin with patience to do that,
You can forget any delusions to capture an audience...
Enraptured while you bathe in spotlight.

'Where do I begin? '

Picking up that broom to sweep the stage.
Then make sure every seat you see in the auditorium,
Is clean and in its proper place.
Then after you do that...
Take out the trash and before you leave ask anyone,
If there is something else left that you can do.

'But that's hard work! '

Trust me,
You will eventually learn to appreciate it.

'Who are you? '

The director.
And what I say goes.
Long before any bow you practice,
Is shown to anyone that 'might' sit in any seat...
You are going to clean.

'But you wont be in their view.'

Neither will you if you keep wasting,
Not only 'your' time but 'mine'.
Here take the broom.

'And all this time I thought you were the janitor.'

You want to be a star?

'Yes. A big star.'

That's good to hear.
I've got some toilets I want to introduce to you.