Classic Poem

Scene, final;
Setting, modern;
House, interior.
Left centre, window open to the west;
Right centre, swing door (showing some exterior
And eastern garden seats where one may rest).

Dramatis Personae,
Two wand'ring spirits
Who speak their lines, then flit across the stage,
Trusting the audience to applaud their merits,
Hoping their failures earn not failure's wage.

Enter
The ‘Gentle Reader’ with this paper—
Then, warning tinkle of the curtain-bell;
The footlights lower; something like a vapour
Comes to the eyes that westward look farewell;
The rising audience dons its coat and filing
(The ‘Gentle Reader’ stays until the close);
Then with the customary bowing, smiling,
Exit Miss Poetry and Mr Prose.