A nervous smile,

A whispered encouragement.

Just waiting while the clapping fades.

Heart, too fast.

Slow down the breathing.

Cool and collected. Please.

Discussion from the actors

That are already on stage,

They chant, then fall silent.

A quiet step

Before a confident persona

Sweeps onto the stage.

A beat of silence

Until a rough voice proclaims,

“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”