The Director

On cue, the actress crosses the stage
She stands on her marker
A small piece of tape
The edges peeling from the floor

The actor is standing opposite her
His hands raised
The Director motions to him
It's his cue to kiss her

His hands are raised to caress her face
He dismisses the script
He reaches out and strikes her
Hot blood rushing to her cheeks

The Director stares on the scene
Hiding behind the wing, stage right
The production has gone sour
The taste of bile

The actor exits stage left
The Director crosses the stage
Stands on his marker
Hands caressing the actress' burning flesh

The actress' eyes are filled with bitter tears
She is humiliated and hurt
She feels the Director's hands on her warm cheeks
She knows the show will go on