After the Show

After the show, which we found a delight,
We stopped at a neighboring place for a bite.
Discussing the play over burgers and fries,
I glanced up to notice a pleasant surprise.

My favorite actor*, of six on the stage,
Sat there in the restaurant, on the same page,
Sharing a meal with an obvious friend –
Unwinding, perhaps, at the matinee’s end.

He isn’t yet famous, so no one looked twice.
(Our unbeknownst staring would have to suffice.)
I wanted to tell him we thought he was great
But a fear of intruding made me hesitate.

Yet we went ahead, interrupted his meal
To share our enjoyment; our words made him feel
Most gratified, judging by his giant grin.
Acknowledgment certainly was a win-win.

An actor’s a regular person, like us,
Despite, when he gets there, the fame and the fuss
And so it felt wonderful just to connect
With some well-chosen words and a dash of respect.

*written about Conor Ryan in "Desperate Measures"