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