“The dog ate my homework! ” <br />She has proof, and shows me. <br />I hold it up and let my eyes <br />Trace the ragged edge—tooth marks, <br />Maybe K-9.... not my area of study. <br /> <br />Looking past the paper, her face <br />A backdrop, a rear curtain, but <br />An essential part of the show. <br /> <br />Lower spot. Close-up: eyes. <br /> <br />She bats them just enough. <br />(The make-up girl did a good job.) <br />Round face, big eyes-brown (not blue) brown is better with <br />Naturally yellow locks. <br />Small mouth, lips perfectly pouted. <br />Pink innocence—an eight-year-old in a college body. <br /> <br />Action <br /> <br /> “Can I turn it in Tuesday? ” <br />She clasps her palms in prayer fashion. <br />“Please, oh, please, oh please! ” She begs, <br />And throws in a little lip-biting angst. <br /> <br />Direction: Flip frown. Go from pout to perk, and <br />A little cheesecake, girl. <br /> <br />The eye lashes go to work. <br /> “I promise to feed Roxie something else next time.” <br /> <br />Cue Laugh card. <br /> <br />I hate her. Damn it! <br />“The fucking dog ate your fucking homework? <br />Are you insane! ? ” <br /> <br />Dim lights. Soft fade to amber <br />Lose smile. Use begging face number 7A. <br /> <br />I forget my lines. <br />“Oh, what the hell! ” Look serious. <br /> “…but by Tuesday for sure. Ok? .” <br /> <br />Tiptoes and a single, ear-cracking squeal. <br />“You’re the best! ” <br /> <br />Exit to hallway. Two girls laughing. <br />Fade.<br /><br />Ross Lakes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dog-ate-my-homework/
