Phantom

It’s showtime.

Ok? Can I just stand here in silence?

No, the stage is set!

But the lights are blinding me.

So what? You’re up.

“I keep tapping these ill-fitting, worn-out ugly shoes so that one day I’ll tap so hard, dance so free, that the strings will crumble away…”

Wait, what? I don’t dance.

You’re live! Keep going. Keep pushing. And don’t give up! This too shall pass.

I’m sorry…

I don’t know how to do this.

It’s easy. Just read the script.

(And be yourself, but not too much. Know your audience, love your audience, be your audience. Also, don’t forget your

race

age

gender

sex

body type

voice

socioeconomic status

sexuality

your childhood

your future

your past

your mistakes and failures

your flaws (you’re not that flawless)

the parts of you that are unlovable, unworthy, unhappy – a disaster.

the parts of you no one can ignore – don’t forget!)

And smile.

What?? That’s not part of the script.

And I’m not a performer

(I can’t breathe.)

But you’re human. The stage was set long before you were born.

Sigh.

“I keep on dancing because my heart is the only sure thing.”