The Pantomime Dame wipes off his make-up

in an exaggerated style

and smiles broadly, but with a hint of exhaustion

disguised by heady amusement

in his sparkling brown eyes, at the saxophonist

who has played him in on stage and in time for forty nights,

excluding the supposed festive delight filled days,

on the run.

 

The saxophonist for his part only has eyes for the principal boy

who has been the hero

for many a confused child, who asks their mother,

but never their father,