the curtain ascends

red velvety facade

     painted grin

     alabaster eyes

spotlight illuminating

I turn away

the faces observe

eyes and gavels poised

            venerable verdict

            unquestionable truth

spotlight penetrating

It is not my day

the audience clamors

detects flaws like metal

            a playful critique

            a feminine mystique (am i merely unique?)

spotlight exacerbating

The sweat will stay

the truths materialize

lay stagnant in a pool

             liberation at last!

             openness at large

spotlight abating

Still the words I cannot say

the curtain descends

to sever my sorrow

            solitude is safety

            muteness is refuge

spotlight sedating

what little will is left to say

                                              I am gay.