somebody like Joan Collins for example

the unexpected silence

gobsmacks the audience

 

the aged actress trying with some difficulty

to remember her pantomime lines

in that dreadful silence

lasting for the kind of moment that seems like an eternity

she looking as pitiful as Pagliacci  

 

though the old magic had gone

and the majority of those seated

were about to join in a slow handclap

 

there were still her die-hard fans out there in the crowd

remembering her glory days

and while knowing that this blooper wasn't part of the performance

took no part in the mockery

 

generous with patience

they waited.

This was their way of thanking her

for many long ago pleasures

she had brought to their lives.