THE COMEDIAN AND HIS MUSE (continued)<br/><br/>Fortunately for me, my embarrassment helps with charming the snake into relaxing.  'Anaconda'?  That was funny!  Thalia, my goddess, thank you for the generosity.  However, my ego isn't that easily bruised.  I know what I have and if it's slightly larger than the average guy's 'snake' (it was uncomfortable being stared at in the high school showers those many years ago), let's just say I don't think I'm porn star material but I've never had any complaints about it, either.  Considering how electrified I've been feeling at the touch of Thalia's hand on mine, it's surprising that it didn't happen sooner.<br/><br/>So, things have been moving fast.  Thalia and I head backstage and talk to the stage crew.  They're both female and quite good looking, on the same level as Thalia and her sister.  More Gods?  I'm beginning to think that maybe the Olympians might come down here to pretend to be mortals for rest and recreation, and maybe have a laugh.  Then I think about where we are..., and maybe Dion is really....<br/><br/>The lighting engineer looks forty-ish, with platinum blonde hair....  Another one of my youthful fantasies....  Her name tag reads, 'Theia'.  The sound engineer looks to be in her early twenties and her name tag reads, 'Echo'.  I explain how I wish to be illuminated.  I'm not a glaring spotlight kind of guy.  I want to communicate with the audience and see them, not just talk while blinded by the light.  The look in Theia's face tells me that she understands my needs, maybe better than I do.  Echo's been listening, not saying anything until Theia says, "You can count on us." and Echo says the same thing.<br/><br/>We, Thalia and myself, are informed that the band has been playing for nearly a half hour and they've just begun their last piece of the set.  I'll be up there soon.  I'm feeling a small case of butterflies, but this is common.  Courage is not being fearless but doing what you need to do in spite of the fear.  I can and I will do this!<br/><br/>I look at Thalia, the goddess of comedy, the drop-dead gorgeous goddess that I met about just a half hour ago who is making my fondest dream of the stage come true.  I love her and I've always loved her, maybe since my first laugh as a baby.  I'm almost becoming misty-eyed with gratitude, again.  Gotta straighten up!<br/><br/>"Thalia," I say, "it's hell walking cold onto a stage without an introduction and begging to be listened to.  I imagine you're well known here.  Would you introduce me?"<br/><br/>(to be continued....)