Theater

I'm aloof to this world,
Observing from afar.

So many things I've seen,
so many hurts I've felt,
so much joy I've lived,
play like a film now,
seen so many times before.

I watch with delight,
as the next scene opens,
speaking aloud 
what comes next.

Sometimes I'm surprised,
often times not,
yet with each scene
the something new
becomes something old.

I watch with respite,
the scenes where I fall,
knowing as I know 
I shall stand
once again.

The way ahead,
seems way ahead,
yet shorter still,
when viewed 
from above.

So I rise often
seeing myself,
the character 
in an old film.

The hero, the villian
the victim, an extra.
No matter the role
I've played it before.

Each role I've played,
knows where to go,
no matter where
this film might end.

Comedy or tragedy,
it matters not,
the credits will roll,
I will stand and applaud,
shouting through this theater,
"Bravo!"