Sound Check

Standing.

Waiting in the darkness.

Crowds' murmurs fade to momentary onomatopoeias.

Nervous energy builds with every breath.

Words floating in the fog of consciousness.

Squeaks break the silence.

One, then another.

Heavy red fabric shifts.

Shadows too dark to be real dance upon its somehow shimmery surface.

The massive cape slides open to reveal its mysteries.

Faint wisps of light reflect off imperceptible shapes.

Maddening silence of people not exhaling.

Appendages numb and shaking of their own accord.

As if afraid to break the tension, all thoughts hide from perception.

Memory erased; leaving no trace of what was moments ago.

Everything hushed.

Heart thumps nearly audibly.

Nothing.

Suddenly from above, Pop! Fwoom!

Landscape painted by blinding light

Only a subtle hum remains.

Crowd shifts, drinking in the created reality.

Creaking.

Thoughtless feet move forward.

Stop.

Parched throat; knotted stomach.

Dry mouth begins to open.

No words yet uttered.

Like water from a burst damn, thought comes rushing back.

Words begin to flow.

First word brings confidence.

The show has begun.