To be involved in building a new show
Even, as I am, quite peripherally,
Is like a foxtrot: slow, slow, quick-quick, slow-
A slog until it runs, not magically

Because you saw each portion of the trick
Rehearsed, repeated, every cue perfected,
Until at last each tiny cog will click
Into its proper place, interconnected,

Or proximal- oh let it not be long,
Before the show is ready to be run
So there is time for all things to go wrong
Before it will be seen by everyone.

And once performance fears are realized
They’ll seem less terrifying in your eyes.