ESL Blogs

He’s the epitome of a responsible son, making ends meet doing multiple jobs like a hard-working bull in order to provide food on the table. Every single night, his last duty is to impress the audience with his funny antics and creative acting skills.

Yes, every single night he carries a huge bag full of colorful costumes, props and make-ups. Always in hurry to prepare for the show, he put his crimson red lipstick and mascara on which every real woman would die for to wear. He wears his blonde wig which people think like he’s born with it. He takes the time to perfectly fit it like a pro. Every single strand must be placed nicely to get the perfect angle, any minute the show will start and he should be prepared. He’s not nervous though because he’s in the business since time immemorial.

He put his silver gown on, matching with red fluffy cloak as if he’s dress up to the nines. Having memorized the script already for that night on the way to the bar, he then muttered his spiels like he’s auditioning for an unforgettable role in a film. He’s not an actor. But in fact he’s played multiple characters in real life. This time is different because he’s going to be the queen. He looked strikingly opulent in his dress. He then wore the golden crown which made him more elegant as if he’s a royal blood.

Alas, the show has started. He appeared on the stage completely different. The mask has transformed him into a regal lady armed with determination, wit and confidence. The audience couldn’t help with admiration. It’s because the queen has gone bananas over her looks. She kept drinking pint of pint of finest wine while she acted in front of the audience as a wasted femme fatale. She loved the idea of making fun of herself while conversing to other actors. She figuratively choked everyone with her charisma. The great thing is that he impressed most of the patrons. In other words, he nailed it! He delivered his lines and slew them with ease, way better than starlet wannabes. If Charles Dickens had seen his acting, he would have been felt proud of him. He would have laughed endlessly.

The laughter inside the bar was astonishing… But beneath every laughter, smile and cheers, there’s tears hiding in his mask. The reality of him, working very hard and tirelessly is not enough to augment the crisis he’s going through. His mother is getting weaker and weaker because of a terrible illness. The medicines aren’t enough to suffice and treat her now. The medical bills are getting higher day by day. He’s battling not to get depressed every time he thinks of her. His beloved mother could leave him at any moment. What would happen to him and his younger siblings? He’s the only bread winner in the family. His father left them years ago and married another woman. The ‘what ifs’ in his head are endless…

The show has finished. It’s two in the morning. He removed his mask unveiling his true face. He wiped down his tears secretly and told himself… ‘I’m gonna be OK’. A new day has come and there’s another opportunity to smile again…

If you’re going to dress up like a drag queen (or king), who would you imitate and why?

Thank you for reading!