In The Wings
The play is Life; and this round earth, The narrow stage whereon We act before an audience Of actors dead and gone. There is a figure in the wings That never goes away, And though I cannot see his face, I shudder while I play. His shadow looms behind me here, Or capers at my side; And when I mouth my lines in dread, Those scornful lips deride. Sometimes a hooting laugh breaks out, And startles me alone; While all my fellows, wondering At my stage-fright, play on. I fear that when my Exit comes, I shall encounter there, Stronger than fate, or time, or love, And sterner than despair, The Final Critic of the craft, As stage tradition tells; And yet--perhaps 'twill only be The jester with his bells.
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About this line
"The play is Life; and this round earth,..."
This evocative piece by Bliss Carman (William), titled "In The Wings", represents a masterful exploration of classic. The lines capture a profound emotional resonance... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...