Rhapsody

//11: the applause.

it's over.

i'm the first to clap, this time -
for the first time -
to put my hands together and make that first
sharp sound,
thanking them for the music.
the beautiful music.
the escape.
all around us the people are rising to their feet -
a standing ovation -
cheering loudly,
raising their arms to show their appreciation.
the performers are smiling
in relief and perhaps
pride. i hope they're proud of theirselves;
they deserve to be.