An Audience of One
by Mark Fleisher

I leaned against the iron railing
separating the Tiburon pier
from the rolling waves when
a breeze blew in from the bay
gaining strength and soon gusting
as I struggled with the final “vincero”
from the aria “Nessun Dorma”

I turned away from the whitecaps
sheepishly looking at an elderly woman
protected from the elements
by a yellow rain slicker, smiling at me
while holding two leashes attached
to a pair of King Charles Spaniels

Not exactly Pavarotti, I mused,
my cheeks blushing in the chill
Don’t feel embarrassed, she replied
It’s the class on Puccini’s operas
inspiring you to belt out a tune
You are not the first nor the last
to take your place on center stage



 

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