HAMLET FROM THE FRONT ROW

 

In the front row ready to watch Hamlet

I stretch out my legs contentedly

“These are the best seats and the cheapest

You can see everything from here”

Says the guy next to me

“It’s like being part of the action”

I nod politely

 

The ghost doesn't appear

We have to imagine him

At the back of the theatre

So we swivel our heads

Uncomfortably just in case

He's really there

By the lights room

 

One of the actors

Forgets his lines

Up close the look of panic

On his face is obvious

But he struggles through

The guy next to me chuckles

“I got the last ticket” he whispers

 

Poor Ophelia is skimpily dressed

For her tragic final scenes

From where we sit little

Is left to the imagination

The guy next to me coughs

And opens a packet of sweets

 

As the play ends with a flourish of swords

The poisoned cup rolls across the stage

Coming to a rest near our feet

“You don't get that further back”

Says the guy next to me, before asking

“Did you follow the story?”

 

David Subacchi.2015