Act 9

The critics
Had it all wrong.

The tragedy wouldn’t have even begun
Until Act 9
Where Romeo wakes up alone
Robbed of youth
Working a part-time job
Teaching fencing lessons to spoiled brats
While Juliet is busy feeding
Her seven children to a man
Who only speaks to her when
He’s ready for a view
That Romeo was denied of
Hidden beneath the bushes
Under her balcony
So long ago.

Shakespeare knew how
To conclude a love story.