THE ACTRESS (character monologue)

I am an actress.
Brilliant! and deceiving.
Sparkling mask of crystal and brilliantine.
I can walk the walk that pleases
Even when my legs...  stiff, stuck and holy, down the long red carpet.
I can talk the talk that pleases
Even when my tongue's missing, swollen and on fire.

Reciting theatered brilliance with an act... memorized.
Dancing! Entertaining! with masks 
of bangs and turtlenecks, of cars wrecks and belly laughs!
For I am an actress!
Wearing the pope's hat and pauper's rags!
And a smile of capped pearly whites
that hides the yellowed decay.