Exposure (Poetry)

"It's good to see you -
how's it feel to be a star?"

(She turns her smile full on and makes him wait)
"I guess it's not quite how I thought it'd be
but it's OK, it's cool y'know. Well neat."

"So, it doesn't faze you, all this sudden fame -
the media attention - all that stuff
they write about you, when they link your name
with various celebrities. It must be tough
to stay grounded."

(She shrugs ruefully, big-eyed, vulnerable,
demurely tucks her skirt tight to her thigh.)
"Oh, I'm getting used to it."

"You're seventeen, right?"

"Uh-huh."

"Are you comfortable with posing in the nude?"

"I wouldn't do it if I wasn't. It's no big deal."

"And it's Art, after all. Tastefully done."

(She clears her throat and takes a sip of mineral water,
then swallows, draws a slow deliberate breath.)
"Most people see it that way, yes."

"They've offered you a movie, is that true?"

"A slasher flick - my agent turned it down. I've too much work,
I'm booked for months ahead..."

"Naturally, you've an image to protect.
(He clears his throat) So tell us how it feels
to see yourself exposed for public view."

"Strange, I guess." ( She muses, solemnly.)
"Those photographs don't look too much like me."