Theatricks

If this theater can just hold us for the night. If we can hide under the stage, deep in the basement. If we stay perfectly still and not make a peep. Will they find us? 

If culture means anything, will they spare us?

If humanity means anything, will we see the day?

The children are coming in. They should be safe. The elders come, too. They will shelter the night here. If the roof can hold, if the pillars stand, if the explosion does not consume us, we will all be safe. 

Darkness falls. The earth moves, rippling. Some of us look out the window. Our faces are illuminated by rocket strikes and explosive rounds. Someone tells us to get away from the windows. We sit still. Quietly. In darkness. The roof of the theater holds the weight of our world. If it can last the night, we will be fine. We will be all right.