Poem: Applause, Please

You’re standing now straight

Straight and clapping

You want to smile, but can’t

Your face is frozen dead

You want to celebrate

But it’s not to celebrate, but it’s to cry

But you can’t cry, for it’s too late

Now clap!

Clap as I say!

Clap and applaud!

Clap at someone else

How is it to feel you could be there?

How does it feel to know you could be taking that bow

But instead you’re clapping at someone else?

Clap! Clap! Clap!

And once again

Clap!

How does it feel knowing

You could shine under the bright red sun light?

How does it feel hiding in shadows of your own shame,

Sitting in the dusty comfort of your chair

And clapping?

You’re too afraid to stand up and stand out?

Congratulations then!

You get the honor of clapping

But don’t worry, though

Soon it’ll be the only thing you can do

And then you won’t have to choose anymore

You’ll just applaud someone else

You’ll just watch the picture but never take participation

You’ll just clap while someone’s playing the story of your life,

While someone else is saying your words,

While someone else is making your choices

Soon

Now all you have to do is wait

Wait and clap

Until the play starts