AN ACTOR MUST PROJECT – ELLA LUBELL

They say that you must know yourself

       to take comfort inside someone else’s skin.

 Hiding behind another person’s face

        it’s easy to get lost.

The light that shines behind a veil will smother

       if one forgets who they really are.

Actors don’t only project their voices –

       they project disguises as well.

    A disguise of the strong

        when they are weary,

    A disguise of confidence

        when the mountain won’t end.

Some may start to panic:

    Who is true and who is false?

         How will I ever know?

I’ll give you a piece of advice:

   If you come close enough

        and place your ear right in front

   If you are very, very quiet

         and listen carefully,

   If you keep your mind open,

          heart as welcome as they come,

Then at last the concealed actor

     will have no need to project at all.