This poem is more important to me than anything I could ever explain. I wrote it after the last show of the year at my highschool. It was to be the last drama expierience I shared with my friends before they went off to college. I wanted to write something for them that would ensure they would never forget the fantastic times we had, and the deep bonds we had formed through the stage. This poem is entirely dedicated to John, Martha, Allie, Jen, Steve, Andrew, Amy, and Abram.
Every time the curtain closes It's like fading From existance.
	To My Friends on Closing Night We are the liars of the world. Playing lovers, fighters; we are what we pretend to be How quick we are to capture wondering hearts. Yet how swiftly we fade from all but emotion For e'er we learn to love; to hate Learn the magic of the craft rooted in our souls For one night famous and beloved by all But forgotten once the curtain's drawn What ghosts upon the stage Wandering backstage, near black velvet legs Ghosts of myself and thespians past Is it truly better to live lies for others than never live at all? T.M. Copyright ©2004 Traite Malone.