Third Act Poem by Richard G Berg

Early summer. Late morning
Encountering a local actor
Given to playing secondary roles with leading
Presence
Ailing upon black railing

Lines running from his side
To his nostrils. Little prompts
Of air. A carer stands close
Understudying a part she knows by heart

His leaning posture, unrehearsed
One of his legs remains dead straight, resisting
This. This is the character he has refused
To play

This is the dumb script
His agent wanted
Him to ignore

His eyes look down, past the audience
Of tarmac and stones, knowing
Applause will soon follow
Once he stops

Ailing upon black railing.


Richard G Berg
July 2022