Theater (to Julia Lambert)

This is a piece inspired by a wonderful novel by Somerset Maugham called "Theater". Julia Lambert is a main heroine. You might have also seen a movie "Being Julia" with Annette Benning. Grotesque emotions, provocative gestures - Masterful pretence of life. All but a mask hiding raw genuine talent, Sharp like a fisherman’s knife, Brutally honest and uncompromising, Set to uncover the truth; Brilliant, intrepid, conniving and ardent, Probing each role like a sleuth. Tell me when theater curtains slide closed And last applause sounds fade; When you take off your elaborate costume, Can you relinquish your trade? When in your real life, you love, laugh or suffer, Is it you or just an act, Like a trustworthy, but soulless, old mirror Meant to protect and detract?