The Performer’s Plea

Sitting backstage, reading my lines,
Five minutes till my cue,
Trying desperately to memorize
Everything I have to do.

Please don’t let me trip and fall flat on my face
During my biggest scene.
Please don’t let my costume get ripped so bad
That it shows conspicuously.

I hope I don’t forget my lines,
Nor faint dead away onstage.
And please don’t let me sing off key
Or I might have to face the director's outrage.

Please don’t let me stutter or lisp,
Or say my lines too soon,
I’d rather not be remembered as
The one who looked like a fool.

Probably my worries are needless,
For we’ve all worked so hard, both the cast and the crew
But if someone tells me "Break a leg,"
Please don’t let it come true!