IMPROVISATION#273
AT THE CAFE ZOLA

You recognized him
in his disguise
at the Cafe Zola
he was playing
the part of
Alfred Dreyfus
in another century's scam
returning from
Devil's Island
that very nearly cost
him his aging life and honor
in his epitaph
when the politics
of prejudice and jealousy
transfixes even
the stage of every art
with disconsolate strife
in a language of the just
emoting with shame and rage
at his engaging part
yet as the actor leaves
the restaurant corridors
he is politely asked
without regret
for his autograph
name and signature
on the program notes
even from the jet set.