\input setup
\style{poems}
\num{12}
\what{Villanelle}
\title{Exit, Stage Left}

``We'll dance a farewell to that measure,''
I sing as the heavy grey curtains descend,
``We leave you with feelings of pleasure.''

Once this was my favourite leisure
Activity; now I, with a forced smile, pretend
As I dance a farewell to that measure.

I've finally forced the fiery fissure
From the jealous muse, who put my life on ``suspend.''
I leave her with feelings of pleasure.

I gaze at the backdrop, its azure
Cloth --- torn, used, falling, never to play sky again;
I dance a farewell to that measure.

Although laughter is theatre's great treasure,
The people I once laughed with, and called friend---
I leave them with feelings of pleasure.

I'm finally free from the pressure.
This curtain call is my stage career's end.
So I dance a farewell to that measure,
And I leave it with feelings of pleasure.

\bye