Kathakali

An hour goes by
As the pudgy dancer
Transforms himself into Vishnu
Onstage
Yellow stripes on his forehead
A green diamond in the center
Black to bring out the eyes
A red clown's mouth
And green all over like Shrek
The old cymbal clapper
Is off beat tonight
He has a tic in his mouth
That wiggles when he rolls his eyes
Or demonstrates hand gestures
Then Vishnu like a bawdy carnival float
Comes up behind the curtain
And dances like an elephant
Almost knocking over the fire lamp