Night of the Stars

He steps finally on the boards
and sweats. He isn't naturally graceful.

There is a tension in the house.
It is amateur night and everyone wants a chance
to supplant him on the stage.

Even though he does his ya's and his yoos,
he smiles and uses his sweet voice,
he finds only silence

when they turn off the spotlight.
Art is an embarrassing strip tease
he says.