Pantomime

Pantomime

Act I

the solo artist
lights a last cigarette
studies the bottle
forty percent proof
read the label
contemplates dipping in
a final search for typo errors
knows he will only find slurs
nothing novel in
this collection of shorts

Act II

the audience are rapt
like his fingers
on the bottle
will he or won't he?
some say no
it is behind him
he has given up
others say yes
know his weakness
hope for a triple rub of the green

INTO REMISSION

(but beer, scotch, cigarettes available in foyer)

Act III

'he's behind you!' they shout
but he cannot see
what he has let out
the alcohol genie
invisible to his master
uses his secret agent
on the solo artist
who is now james bond
a stage sophisto
off licenced to kill

Act IV

he corks the empty bottle
a show stopper
(for one night only)
the audience leave
silent, embarrassed
without applause
the solo artist chain lights
another cigarette
having bowed to the boos