Poem: Open Mic Night Connection

I.

She looks out at the darkness
Extending past the spotlights
Beyond she can hear chattering
Clinking cups and shuffling chairs
Impatient throat-clearing waiting
Taking a big step she walks out
Stepping out onto the stage
Grasping the microphone in hand
Breathing it smells like stale coffee
Breaking her concentration
Forgetting words so well rehearsed

II.

Bored he brings his cup to his lips
Ceramic filled with hot coffee
Searching the stage with his eyes
In the shadow of the curtains
She twists like a leaf in a storm
That awaits the hurricane
As she moves to take the stage 
The light above sets her a flame
Like an angel ascending
From heaven he can't be seen
He can see her sad searching eyes
Somewhere untouchable a soul moves

III.

Her tongue gone dry wets itself
On words that come automatic
Recalling poems about love
Overcoming all obstacles 
Set against a metaphor 
Of a windmill at sunset
Painted red like the passion
Of lovers who are dispersed
Seeking each other blinded
By the mundanity of the world

IV.

All the world is in darkness 
Except the seraphim on stage 
Weaving sounds that are impression
Lost of intrinsic meaning
Other than that they came from her
Her singing soulful voice weaving
A tapestry of images 
With just the painting of her words
Until the stage at last goes dark
She having left taking light with her

V.

Hand to chest she feels her heart slow
The launching of her words complete
Into the world where they were caught
With strangers hands applauding  
Fading away she hears a voice
Love is a many splendid thing
In the dark a light attaches
To a still clapping for her
She feels all the things she's written
Holding her heart in his smile

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A poem for msjadeli’s open link night at dVerse since the mic isn’t actually open.

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Copyright © 2021 TJS Sherman All rights reserved.

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