My Choice Is Acting

(by Polina Popova)

Lights.
Silence.
And I'm on the stage.
I'm ready, I'm turning one more true life page.

I'm Liza Doolittle, Ophelia, Scarlett,
Don't say: 'She's one more pretty obstinate starlet,' - 
For acting is life which I've chosen myself,
I know that it brings neither friendship nor wealth:

But it's so exciting to live someone's life;
Your feelings get tenser and sharper than knife.
I don't know the right way, I walk in the dusk,
And putting on masks is a difficult task.

Excited, frustrated, determined, offended - 
I'm doing my best to make my acting splendid:
But:all the time I'm so afraid,
Afraid I might do something wrong.
I know the audience won't wait,
But it's not easy to be strong:

Oh, acting - it's a cruel game,
You stumble, fall and start again.
The highest prize in it is fame,
But it's not easy to obtain.
The backstage noise, my trembling voice
And I must not forget the lines;
This job is hard, but it's my choice,
An actor's like the sun - he shines.

I want to give you warmth and light,
I want to make you understand,
That all in all our life is bright,
But someone needs a helping hand:

Some jobs are for money, some jobs are for fame,
And actors just die if no one knows their name.
Some people are proud and look for perfection;
I do not need much - I just need your attention.*

* This poem was presented at Saint-Petersburg Poetry Contest "Inspiratio"-2011 and got a prize there