The Audience

An audience can make a show,
At least for all the actors.
I know some folks would argue
There are more important factors.

I guess that’s true, but having been
On both sides of the stage,
To know if you’re successful,
Trust the audience to gauge.

Though humor is subjective,
If you’re not sure if you’re funny,
Check the faces in the seats
For smiles real wide and sunny.

And if you’re really lucky
And you hear explosive laughter,
You can be quite certain
You’ve achieved what you were after.

In drama, there are other signs –
A hush that you can feel;
People weeping tell you
They believe your part is real.

But if the audience is cold,
The show must still go on.
It might seem like eternity
Until they’re finally gone.

Yet soon another night rolls ‘round;
A new crowd has been seated,
And hopefully you’ll get those vibes
You’d like to have repeated.

Last night the audience was great;
They gave us all a lift.
I hope they know their laughter
Was the oh, so perfect gift.