too young actors

[Steve]

it was the time
that was wrong
not the actors in the play
their performance was
fair
too young
for the parts
but the curtain rose
and it started,
there was no turning
back
time
though the male lead
he tried
you saw his hands
twisting the pocket watch
nearly breaking the hands
but you saw her
sitting patiently
solemn acceptance slapped
against her powdered cheeks
but you knew they were both
waiting
for the play to end