Chrysalis

This year I learn my role in life.
I’m a Teacher.
I take over Wesley’s classes and develop a following,
casting my students in the two productions I direct.
I also enjoy my first of four fine extramarital affairs with student actors.
Sandra’s on the road.

Looking back, I wonder at my confidence in me.
I’m feeling cocky. Joel thinks I’m arrogant.
If my two acting and directing classes
(Kai and Foster, Wesley twice) are typical.
all I do is lecture, play some games, pass out scripts, and criticize.
Piece of cake.
Or I can make it special.

Early in the year I receive an invitation
to direct Desire Under the Elms
at the Fort Riley Base Theatre,
with Angie, Rick, and Dane (and several unnamed soldiers).
The show wins Best Production, but I’m not Best Director.
Meanwhile, Dane and Chris fall out, and he takes up with Mary Lou.

Before it becomes a career-ending crime,
I fall incredibly in what I know is love
with sophomore Joanie Meyer,
and enjoy her all year long.
What happens to her when I leave can’t be my fault.

Notwithstanding the numerous repetitions
of the monotonous Swallow/Prince duet—
and the time (an hour and five)—
the class performs my thesis play beautifully.
Later productions fix the problems, take less time,
but none sparkle in my mind like our week in the Purple Masque.