Act Ii Poem by Adam Holmes

I ride my bicycle through cozy farm town streets. The breeze flows through my bones, extreme excitement. I coast up to the store. A collection of fallen coins fill my hand. I will buy candy. I take my loot over to the bench in front of the fire station. Fist full of tootsie rolls, rewards for another long hard day of having fun.

I hop on the board. Yell up to grandpa in the boat, faster! He pushes the throttle forward. Water splashes on my smiling face as I glide across the waves. I'm free. Later this afternoon I will go jump off cliffs. I want to jump off the tallest one, but dad says I'm not old enough. I have no fear. I walk to the edge of the rocks looking down at the sun's reflection on the water. WhooHoo! I jump. For that brief moment, I'm not a child. I am superman.

Dim the lights. Cue the exit music. Curtains fall in my unsuspecting face. Sorry, but that's all folks. Let me go on for one more act! I plead with the bearded man. He holds out his hand, I reach for my pocket. Show goes on.

I've traded my bicycle for a buick. I ride down the same cozy streets, but I don't notice. The breeze hides behind sheets of glass, utter indifference. I pull up to the store. Hands filled with bills I earn with my labors. I will buy cigarettes. Open the box; turn the key, strike a match, puff puff. Smoke clouds swarm my head, subtle beginnings to another night of sin.

I walk into the classroom. Say hi to the teacher man with my not so real grin. He opens his briefcase. Inconsequential wisdom drowns my ears as I sit motionless at attention. I'm blank. I still jump off cliffs. Dad says I'm ready to jump off the tallest one. I'm filled with fear. I step to the edge, peer down at future's reflection. Ugh! I jump, but wish not to fall. For that eternal moment, I'm not a child. I'm an adult.

I wait for the lights to go out. Where is the damn exit music? I don't see any curtains. Wait people, there's more. Please move to the next act! I beg with the bearded man. His calloused hand reaches out, but I've spent my last dime.