act one

two hours later & i
was still raw inside
from the alcoholic,
dull ache of time
spent and wasted
with mister ted.

i was not expecting
such a warm welcome
from cast and crew
alike. (i only knew two
people—jo&jenny) but
even then, i felt at home.

nor did i expect the
constant “shut up,
ellis!” jibes that you
sent. almost like ted,
but kinder, safer. i
was startled and (frightened)
hesitant, but i grew
used to it - gradually.

and then it was unexpected.
i became your slave —
“ellis, can you fold up my
clothes? can you get my
sign ready?” & other things.
but i don’t think i minded, i
like(d) being needed.

for the first time in forever,
i felt a l i v e
and as act one faded &
act two began, i could
not take my eyes off of
you.

author’s notes : a collection, dedicated to someone very special who isn’t ted or miss lane.