My Makeup Kit.

My makeup kit

sits tucked away

beneath the counter

that's stopped counting

all the days since

my last plays.

It holds the

accoutrements

of make believe

in tubes and compacts

that once squeezed

out characters

upon my flesh.

Last used

this past Christmas

when I played Scrooge

for all the kids at schools

as I ranted my rage

against holidays,

but was touched

by the spirits

that they bless all with

and became a kinder man.

Eyebrow pencils

formed the scowl,

and the wrinkled visage

on my cheeks and brow.

Crows feet nesting

in the corners

of my eyes and

spectacles perched

on my sharp nosed sides.

Shoe whitener blended

into my locks of hair,

eye shadow darkening my

cranky stares.

Lipstick highlighting

my most curling sneer

and cheeks rose blushed slightly

so it would appear

as if I'd just stepped out

of a cold, dank room

where coal chunks

were rationed

in the wintery gloom.

Top hat, with white spats

and a tux overcoat,

graced with a cape

that would swirl out

and float

as I raised up my cane and

then cut some wide rugs

denouncing each Christmas

with some loud "Bah Humbugs."

Oh, how the childrens

eyes all locked on me,

as I gave them the Dickens

with my own poetry..............

///////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Christmas with Ebeneezer Scrooge

Twas the eve before Christmas 
"Bah Humbug," I said 
I donned my pajamas 
and crawled into bed.

The spikes in my chimney 
were sharp as a pin 
I fully intended 
to do Santa in.

Four bulldogs were watching 
the flames with great care 
in case Santa wore 
fireproof underwear.

The wolves on my rooftop 
were ready to eat 
eight misguided reindeer 
right down to their feet.

The children who slept 
with sweet dreams in their heads 
would wake to find nothing 
when Santa was dead.

Then what to my 
cynical eyes did appear 
but that horrid fat man 
had snuck in from the rear.

His reindeer were parked 
so that they blocked all escape 
and my bulldogs were munching 
on huge Christmas steaks.

His big belly shook as he giggled with glee 
"Now Scrooge you will see how nice Christmas can be, 
Tonight through the magic my elves gave to me, 
I'll make you into a gift, under Tiny Tim's tree." 

Then instantly under his magical touch 
He transformed me into a small wooden crutch 
all packaged, beribboned, in bright green, and red 
Imprisoned till morning, this box was my bed.

"Bah Humbug," I cried from my cardboard cell 
"On Prancer, On Dancer," I heard St. Nick yell. 
~ 
Christmas morning came quickly, with giggles of joy 
and my package was opened by a small crippled boy 
then the need in his life for this gift left it's mark 
as tears fell from his eyes, on my cold wooden heart.

And I knew in that instant that Christmas was real 
a great time to express all the love that we feel. 
~ 
The next thing I knew I was back in my bed 
with two arms, and two legs, and a much wiser head, 
so I ran to my window, and hollered with cheer 
"Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year."

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////////////////

It's become a tradition

to visit each year

and bring kids a message

of hate turned to cheer.

I have played many roles

that are dear to my heart,

both the Devil and Jesus

were part of my art.

Fagan from Oliver

who led all the boys

in the science of theft

teaching pickpocket joys.

I played Death when he chose

to take a holiday,

not a single thing died

each week he was away,

but then he fell in love

with a charming young girl

but realized the only

way she'd share his world,

was if she chose to die,

so he left her instead,

and went back to his work

where he gathered the dead.

Seven cameo roles

on a show called Gi-Gi!

changing makeup and costumes

ever so rapidly.

The matchmaker also

was quite a fun role,

I spent hours on stage

in another man's soul.

West Side Story

in leather clad

jackets and tees

just one of a gang

facing diversity....

with Maria as lovely

as a girl can be.

Little Shop of horrors

where I was the voice

of a plant that ate people

a most grisly choice,

with a bottle of jolt

and a microphone near

I ranted and raved

bringing audinces fear.

Joseph And His Most

Amazing Dream Coat,

was one of my favorites

as I sang every note,

and danced in long robes

with my brothers each night

and made an old Bible tale

such a delight.

But the story of Scrooge

was most dear to my heart

turning angst into joy

as I played out his part.

They're all tucked

in my makeup kit

on a dark shelf,

and they only

come out

when I part

from myself

to become

someone else

most vicariously

on a stage

in a time

that was long

before me

clad in costumes devine....

playing what used to be.

I've done T.V. and radio

but they don't come close

to the old wooden boards

that I've grown to love most,

on a stage with a live

audience I can sway

convincing them

I'm someone else

in each play.

If you've never tried acting

you should give it a go,

cause we all act each day

in the lives that we know,

all the world is a stage

and we all play a role.

Find a theater near you

go audtion and see

you just might win a part

that will set your soul free

from the hum-drum of your life

to a place you can be

someone imaginary

or part of history,

it's a whole lot of fun...

that much I'll guarantee.