half a ticket

it's not unconventional, if it's all been done before,
but denial leaves belief cold shut outside the theater door.
blame's blanket cloaks warmly like your mother taught
to keep a lonely heart on revue with distracted thought.
fear keeps poor company with empty seats of the past
and squanders the spot light of both audience and cast.
angry applause remembered like roses thrown on stage
waited for an encore before erupting in disgust and rage.