William C. Ross’ most recent poem to appear here was “The Arts” (March 2015) 

Curtain
By William C. Ross

When it’s time for the curtain, just let it fall.
Exit stage right into the wings.
No need to wait for a curtain call.
At best, those are sometimes things.

There’s no guarantee of a good review
And that little brush with fame,
No one could play you better than you,
But they might not mention your name.

The house lights are up, they’re striking the set,
And soon the old stage will be bare.
No more marks to miss or lines to forget,
And no one left to care.

The difference between opening and closing night
Is more than time and the season.
The spotlight is gone, no longer bright,
And make-believe surrenders to reason.