Secrets Unrevealed

THIS WAS WRITTEN 11 DAYS AGO BUT COULD NOT BE POSTED UNTIL NOW, FOR REASONS THAT SHOULD SHORTLY BECOME OBVIOUS TO YOU.


I have a serious character flaw. I am unable to keep a secret. I have a great and wonderful secret to reveal to 2 of my friends. I can't. It is more than I should have to bear.

My friends are actors. And they have established clearly defined rules and regulations that one must live by when discussing things touching their craft. Chief among them is that one is never, ever to tell them about a critic's analysis of their work, during the run of a show. Good or bad, it matters not. Never is the operative word.

On page 3 of today's arts section of the New York Times is a review of the play in which they are currently starring, (in a major stretch) as a husband and wife who are both actors. The review, at least in my opinion, is very positive, as to the production in general and as to my friends in particular. Accompanying the article is a large picture of the lead couple, in an embrace on stage.

But, this piece is not about them or their acting abilities. It is about the curse they put upon me, which swears me to remain mute in their presence concerning what I have just read.

Throughout the years, I have been known to reveal even the smallest of gems, at the least of provocations. Holding back on something of this magnitude requires an act of inner fortitude that is miles above the pay grade of that part of my psyche in charge of controlling impulsive speech.

Fortunately, I am nowhere near their presence for the next several days. But, come Friday, and throughout this weekend, I fear our paths may cross. Will I give myself away with a smile, or a thumbs up? Will I find the urge to blabber uncontrollable? I think that I may have to run and hide anytime they appear, even in my periphery.

The only consolation is that this play has a limited run. Come the end of this month, the show is scheduled to close, and the prohibition placed upon me will be lifted. Holding in my secret any longer would be deemed cruel and unusual punishment. Thus, my fervent wish for my friends is a short, successful and happy engagement. Short being the operative word.