Today’s poem

ON STAGE — BEGINNERS PLEASE

I learned to ‘point’ my toes aged four, To twirl and whirl around the floor. Pink ballet shoes, tapes crossed and tied, I looked at them with so much pride. Lessons were a pure delight, My teacher I just loved on sight. She taught the class

tap-dancing, too. My love of all stage work

just grew. I felt at home before the lights, In ballet skirt or woolly tights. I am so glad I had the chance To take the ‘lead’ and sing and dance. The dressing rooms were always small, With mirrors fitted on one wall. On goes the make-up, false lashes, too. Then one girl shouts: ‘What is my cue?’ Time is moving very fast, I’ve finished making-up at last. I’m told it’s a full house tonight, I must get those first dance steps right. The excitement I remember still, From start to finish such a thrill, It’s wonderful to hear applause When the final curtain falls. All this happened years ago, I’m older now, and

rather slow. Such memories of all those years, The hard work, laughter and the tears. I close my eyes, the curtains part, The ‘show’ is just about to start, We’re all dressed up in costumes gay, The orchestra begins to play. ‘Beginners, please,’ the call-boy cries, My stomach churns, I’ve butterflies. A deep breath in, and on I go. It’s going to be a smashing show.

Diane Berthelot, North Walsham, Norfolk.

... and Limerick

Having suffered a blow to the head, Which put him in a hospital bed, ‘It looks bad, I agree, ‘But you should just see ‘The other guy,’ Steven Woolfe said.

I.G. Fenner, New Milton, Hants.