The Myths and The Modern [√]

(she studies the script from start to finish)

her mouth a cacophony of never-ending tales
from the different portrayals her shoes
tried to fit in this morning, the coffee table
a series of newspaper ads for acting jobs
the audition starts in two days
i think i'm going to make it

the mirror becomes a dressing room
the girl becomes the mannequin
trying on the costumes, the self
becomes somebody new

the stage is a sanctuary for the acts
taking smoke breaks in the cramped alley
blowing rings in the midsummer heat
strands of hair stuck to her nape
sweat blooming in her theater pants

one clean inhale and the fake bravado is back
the nicotines gives way for nerves of steel
her mind a series of understudy roles
that never really felt right but pays the bills

(and so she practices her lines again at night)