not waiting
not waiting in the wings
for my moment
to shine in your light
not anticipating
you are finding rest in our closeness
not expecting
to move from understudy
to supporting role
with regular parts to play
I am not waiting
to be called onto the stage
having rehearsed plenty
I am stepping out of the shadow
taking the spotlight
still improvising the script
writing and shaping characters
as the story unfolds
tension and drama
passion and excitement
love and loss
weave smoothly into the narrative
with life imitating art
and art imitating life
following the tale
I sometimes pity the players
for their poor judgment
their guarded emotions
for their rushed decisions
their missed opportunities
trapped in circumstance
I wish for the hero to succeed
leaving his shackles behind
appreciating the understanding and compassion
emerging when I see my own reflection