The old women waits in the wings
The toss of the head
Relieving the dread,
 
Arthritic
Her crippled body
Strafes the world of make believe.
 
Like an old canvas sail
She unfurls 
Onto that wooden stage
 
Past all those sullied dreams.
With her crazy smile
And orthotic shoes. 
 
Gloopy and balletic
She spins
Outsize with the power of talent.
 
Pathos and charm
Halo her face
Vaudeville incarnate.
 
Kicking that damn cat
Down the dank hallway
Every bar timed in finesse.
 
Innocence and despair 
Craft their way into that voice
 
Follow spot and talent merge.
No longer frost bitten by time
Her body swells:
 
Broadway baby
Waiting for that great day when …
 
 
https://ronfassler.medium.com/broadway-baby-ethel-shutta-acc8d1f6a549
 

August 2023