Cross Roads

THE BALCONY SCENES

     The stage is set, like a garden,
     And the lights are flickering and low;
     And a Romeo with fat legs,
     Is telling a Juliet with dyed hair and tired,
           disillusioned eyes,
     That love—real love—is the only thing in the world.

     And up in the balcony of the theatre
     Where the seats cost twenty-five cents,
     A slim little girl in a shiny serge frock,
     And a boy with a wistful mouth
     Are holding hands.
     And as they listen, breathlessly, to the studied voice
           of the actor,
     Their fingers are all a-thrill,
     With the music of the ages.