The Audience
by Zachary Corona
University of the Incarnate Word
Zachary Corona is a sophomore at the University of the Incarnate Word. He is majoring in English and minoring in Theater Arts and is projected to graduate in the Spring of 2026. Zachary is part of the UIW Honors Program and Film Club. He has worked in several creative writing classes and has volunteered in UIW's Community Garden.
When I get on that stage and feel your engagement,
I write the future chapters of my life book.
Your claps and cheers are very dear to me, which steers me toward my path of Theater.
A stranger like me doesn’t deserve your amazing praise,
which hits me like rays of sunshine.
You raise me up when I don’t have the motivation to fight through,
life's maze of cloudy haze and daze.
I’m just an entertainer, yet you see me as more,
making me feel like an Eagle about to soar.
I’m still living because you keep giving me your tenderness that brings
the togetherness of my future.
You shine bright like a spotlight in the night.
You’re the one that keeps our drives alive as we strive to entertain You.
Our on-stage stress becomes less when you bless us with admiration,
helping us possess success for the night.
I’ve probably never met you before, nor do I see you after the production’s closing night.
But your love and admiration for that one hour will always be in my heart.
You helped kick-start my love for the art,
motivating me to always take part on the stage.
Thank you for everything you do.
You're the white dove of the Theatre.
