The Present

The Present

While I trod the boards

in all the many stages

of my life

you sat in the darkened realm

that I lit

for you

A small gift

was set

at my feet

Long did I study

the gift

Then,

I tore it open

Tore it open

again and again

so I could

give away

what was inside

to you

You sat,

as one,

glowed up

by light of

the other world

You

cried

and sighed,

marveled,

at your present,

And my presence

Then, as one

newly changed being,

you locked arms,

walked, giddy, out

into the new night,

reveling

in shared bounty

while I

drove home

alone

lisa stathoplos Copyright © 2025 lisa stathoplos Slay Me, My Hapless Darlings