An Uncomfortable Facade

By Sabhyata Ravjani

I squint my eyes

the sudden illumination,

a discomfort to my eyes. 

The corner of my lips

forming a straight line, instantaneously. 

My hunched back, a temporary easement 

now transfigured, an aligned stance. 

I yearn for the familiar darkness

as the blinding luminosity persists. 

They still lurk when the spectacle ceases. 

My long fingers impatiently dance rhythmically along the armrest

as i anticipate their departure. 

Finally, the lights go off 

just when my pupils lingered 

to adjust to the sudden brightness. 

Though, a being loiters in the shadows. 

I scan the theatre frantically. 

am i familiar with it

or should worry engulf me?

“The seats are empty. 

The theatre is dark. 

The show is over. 

Yet, you are still acting?”

By Sabhyata Ravjani