Broken

Audition rooms and memorizing lines

trying to get the look just right,
convinced

that this might be
my final great break.

Even in the brightest of eyes,
the most elaborate

of trained performers
there is a curtain that's

been prematurely
closed

covering lost and stolen
dreams. Changing

costumes, down
to my bare skin. Pretending it's

worth it, to play the game that I am in.

Waiting for the next cue to smile
again.

Sequenced with blue
ribbon regret, mascara smeared

eye lashes, I strain
to see who is still standing

applauding after my
curtain call.