Room for Another Scene
On an empty stage, a curtain
can gather all its red
into a narrow fold
and leave the center bare.
One story needs a farewell.
Another brings the stubborn hope
of life returning.
Their lights should fall
at different angles.
The same red curtain
may frame a celebration or a loss;
the color alone cannot decide which.
A drum might give impatience feet;
a low note might let sorrow sit.
Joy could interrupt the careful count
and enter
half a beat too soon.
These are choices to explore,
not sounds already heard.
The journal keeps the working scene:
what was asked,
what was made,
what still needs a closer look.
A date beside a changed direction
helps the next beginning find
where the furniture was moved.
The method, too, can be revised.
Keep the earlier drawing,
mark the new arrangement,
test whether the change
gives the story what it needs.
Under every possible costume,
meaning asks for room.
Let the song's particular life
decide the shape of its entrance.
When this scene ends,
leave the curtain loose.
Another story may require
the whole width of the stage,
or only a small light
held steady
over two hands
beginning to unclench.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.