PRISONERS

An audience of old folks in the neat-tiered theatre,
The play about prisoners,
Well-constructed set, competent acting -
At the interval I walk outside in the cold air,
Alone between the high walls of buildings in this cul-de-sac;
Pause, turn, stroll.
The bright lights of the Crucible beckon, but I haven't time or money.

In the Green room backstage Kay mends a cup that has to be perpetually broken,
Feeds me toast that has to be nightly replenished
As the black-clad caretaker waits heavily, mentally urging us on -

Over a pint we talk about the production and what's missing,
Then I listen to complaints about work, manipulation, power-games -

Tired, we return home,
A routine of food, coffee, newspaper - and sleep.

As I drift off the typewriter taps,
Shitsville bosses demanding blood and souls for a grudging wage,
Easy to see yourself in a play, but I won't -
Not prisoners.

8/2/89