Mangesh Naik

   APPRENTICE MAGIC

They magic, Their inundating smile.

Turn the air with sweep of  the wands,

tighten the audience in their seats a bit more

Inside the box,

something's waiting unopened.

sweat in the armpits of the eyes.

Their first act of this kind.

wet grip on swords, feet uncertain

memories of the dress rehearsal. Reversal.  failed.

Expectations high to succeed, higher not to.

like rain drops they tiptoe towards, hands in hand

cut the box in half 

and themselves.