Immersion Theater
Poem, by Ryan Gregorius

At the trendy southern tip of the High Line
In a converted warehouse
Without stage and chairs, and modest sets
We patrons of the theater mill about the floor
As spotlights shine on the actors
Playing brief scenes of passion, anger, fear,
Grief
That end when the lights dim out;
The actors also confront us
From time to time

The next day
On the drive home
My wife searches online and finds
A restaurant called
The Little Pub
On Route 1, East Putnam Avenue
Reasonably priced, locally popular
As we dine,
My son tells a story and asks me the name
Of a forgotten character
And I reply,
Oliver

Later we buy ice cream
At a store in Wallingford
Tiny place, owner at the counter
Interesting flavors
He came from Mexico, worked years in a factory
Owning a business was his dream
Now realized
Photos on the wall show all the
Happy customers

Sometimes I imagine that my ordinary routine
Is interrupted by characters of interest
Who appear suddenly, and shout or cry or
Faint
High drama, very emotional
And I say
No worries, everything is all right
Here, have a glass of water
Eat a little something
How nice to see you
And how strange that fate has brought us
Together