She would never win the award

for best actress in a leading

or even performer in a guest role

She was

assistant director

boom operator

grip

vital in keeping the action moving

letting the talent shine

 

She was

unread name in film credits

rolling past after

the audience has left

She was

name on unread page

of the performance program

 

She had chosen the backgroud

unconsciously

but willingly

when young

anonymity vital

for her survival

reliant on her ability

to disappear into the wallpaper

a chameleon

 

As time passed

it was easy

comfortable

to be stage left

of attention’s

unflinching center

She became

minister’s girlfriend

center administrator

mother of two

called upon to

stand in those shadows

support their important work

facilitate their dreams

 

To write now

let others

read her words

claim her voice

seemed the most selfish

revolutionary act

she had ever engaged in

to bravely shout

not whisper

I am here

I feel

I burn

I matter

was uncharted territory

that might require

demand

she rethink the plotline

rewrite the script

finally cast herself

in the leading role

 

© 2016, Revised 2017, 2018 Christine Elizabeth Ray – All Rights Reserved