Verb III

Entertaining

I can be your puppet show.
I will say all the words you want to hear and arrange them in the proper order. I will act according to your desires. On your cue, I will dance and throw this arm into the air--then the other. Direct my movements, direct my life.
I will entertain you.

I can be your Mrs. Dalloway.
I will throw the perfect party and invite all my friends. I will introduce you to new acquaintances; they will become your new best friend, girlfriend, boyfriend. I will bring people together. I will supply you with the foods you like and a space to enjoy. The makings of a perfect hostess, he said.
I will entertain you.

I can be your circus clown.
I will paint my lips and wear my best dress. I will make you laugh and cry--I will make you feel. I will show you sights never before seen and introduce you to new wonders of the world. I will perform feats of magic and charm, keeping you far away from boredom and apathy. Tramuta in lazzi lo spasmo ed il pianto in una smorfia il singhiozzo e 'l dolor: "Turn your distress and tears into jest, your pain and sobbing into a funny face"
I will entertain you.

And gladly, lovingly, I will entertain you. But one day I may arrive without my mask and you will say: "Why aren't you saying anything? You always have something to say..." or "Let's go out and have adventures. What do you want to do?." And then my weary heart will sink despondently into the pit of my stomach because maybe it would be nice to sit, to rest--you and me. Real. No entertaining. But you will persist, and luckily, I always carry a magic trick up my sleeve and an extra mask in my purse.

And I will entertain you.