stAge Fright Edit 2.0 Thanks to all who helped.

[billy]

hi tom, i don't think i saw the original.

the first two lines seem weak and i question if they're needed at all. for me the third line feels like it should start the poem

Say what you wish, now we're alone
inside our common dread;
I will not speak or criticise.
The time we squeeze
between warm palms i like lines 3,4, and 5, it gives an image of a relationship in the twilight of life. 
must not slip free to run like sand is [like sand] needed? a suggestion would be [must not slip; free to run]
through clapping hands, this with the above create another good image of squandering what we have and how precious time is
still hot with praise
and swollen red. this feels like it's about the penis, (said with a straight face)
I say so little anymore,
of consequence or worth.
Since youth bowed out
--exit stage left-- cliche
and credence left on cue,
this play has gone these last to lines feel forced for me the preceding line works as a well enough end [the last line being out and out cliche]
from bad to worse.

tectak
2012