Lady of the Opera

You are the first I think of

Lady of the Opera

shining bright among

so many wearing privilege

and age to hide their souls.

You wear yours

for everyone to see

most of all the shadow

in Box Five.

I will never speak to you

without hiding my face

never hear you sing

while singing back

never be with you

graced by your presence.

One day, maybe-

but that is just a dream

the foolish apparition

of a starved mind.

They chase me away

before I can talk

tie names on me

dolorous and leaden.

If only I could see you

and explain

me, my music

your voice, your smile

everything.

Until then I have found

other ways

back ways

to guide and protect

my one, my only

dear sweet Christine

who does not know me

save as the dreadful Phantom.