polite applause

after the play
the applause is soft
and polite as the actors come
out to take a bow.
they stand together
and hold hands,
genuflecting as they do
to the already
departing crowd, slipping
into coats, and hats,
scarves and gloves.
you know that feeling,
that lukewarm
acceptance. you've been
on that stage, bowing
before, knowing
that things are just
not right, but you move on,
you care, but you don't
care. there is always
another show to prepare for
tomorrow night.