the pols

listening to the radio talking
heads battering against political scenery
like actors on a poorly constructed stage
that is democracy.
back stage bartering, mascara running down
rouged cheeks, men smoking cigars
or chewing nicorette, walking out
behind velvet curtains, the audience
cries out for him to return
to the table on the stage, hoping
for the floor to drop out from
under them.