Encore! Encore!

 Encore! Encore!

At first, it seemed like any park--

just like all the others--

with grass and tall trees,

a slide and swings.

A place where little boys might fall

and skin their knees

and be comforted by their mothers.

But then you see the stone wall,

and it makes you think of castles.

And you walk all around

in search of kings and queens and jesters 

wearing jaunty hats with tassels.

But you find no moat,

and no fire-breathing dragons. 

You find no drawbridge

and no horses pulling wagons.

On the other side is a theater

with both seats and stage made of stone.

You long to hear a concert or see a play,

but you realize you're the only one there.

You're by yourself. You're all alone.

So you take center stage 

and recite a scene,

adding a gesture and a dramatic pause--

Your performance is perfect!

Who needs an audience?

The show must go on-- 

with or without applause.