
ACTOR

Meera Nair
I have been rehearsing my lines
For days together
And through insomniac nights
When the stage is set
And the curtains drawn
I want to look you in the eye
And lay out my words
Neatly arranged
I want to present my lines
Without faltering
Not as a poet
Hysterical
Wild
Incorrigibly romantic
Searingly honest
But as an actor
Well-rehearsed
Unhurried
The right pause at the right words
Trained breathing
In a voice one chooses to bring out
Either from the stomach or the throat
I am rehearsing my lines
Through wakeful days
And sleepless nights
I want to look into your eyes
And say I feel betrayed
And be able to smile