"Amen"

much more than the color purple
every shade and hue imaginable
a kaleidoscope of life's stories
sweat and blood and hope and tears
more talent on those boards than a person in the front row could ever dream of
not at all perfect
this show
holes, unnecessary polish, parts you can't help but forget

as is life

these people feel these people
a moment
from the climax of the final song
the orchestra swells
the crowd is on its feet
going wild
and a private moment
between two strangers
lachanze
tears
and me
the lucky ticket holder
front row and center
clapping

-wink-

she and i
at the exact same instant
to each other
the thrill and chill of the theatre
a shiver to shake off every single feeling
as she takes me in
and i take in her
so close we could hold each other

she and i and us and them
we

theatre is alive
don't believe them if you hear otherwise
see this show
life is here and all over this town
anywhere where people gather to grow
to think
to move
to witness

the show not only must go on
it is going on
every single night

and
life is too short
to risk
missing it