Actress

Please don't ask me how I am
Unless you really want to know.
You're not ready to hear that kind of truth
You've already got seats for the show.

So here, I'll give you my smile instead
Although it's wearing thin.
Don't look too hard or listen too close
To the girl with the painted grin.

Would you like to know that I started today
Fearing the curtain that rises?
That the leading lady's forgotten her lines?
Don't worry. She's good at disguises.

Please don't ask me how I am
Naked truth is a funny thing.
I'll stick to the lines that you came to hear
And fly on with a broken wing.

Author's Note

This is the first of my poems that I've shared; I am just looking for some feedback please.

Reviews

[MedicalNightmare]

You communicate this so well. I always hated the formality of "how are you" and how the only correct response is "fine", the only lines they came to hear.... Too many people in theatre professions especially put up that wall of fake overfriendliness that keeps you from actually understanding each other

[Dolce Vita]

That's very kind, thank you. IRL I'm not in the theatre profession but I think we all feel like we are at some point!

[lua]

the use of lexis surrounding acting and theatre aids the reader to visualise the narrator's emotion and this poem transforms into a metaphor for all the moments and the days one has worn a mask and hidden their true selves from the world

[Dolce Vita]

Thank you for your response:)