Member-only story
“Star Gaze (TBTNOK pt.2)”
A bow to receive
“Bravissimo!”
A word known to those of you who show and prove
Moved by the applause of the audience
The toss of roses
Bestowed at the behest of the successfully entertained
Appreciation made in gesture
The best that no one knows to hold, and then straighten
A final wave of farewell before the exit of a stage presence
The dressing room awaits
Congratulations
The many faces of the staff and management contain happiness
Somehow, I manage to breath
Releasing pressures measured in work ethic
Yet, a profound question lingers in the depth of my mind
I ease past the ecstatic
Those easily satisfied with the strides of today
My name placed below a star that graces my dressing room door
Moving forward through it, I choose to shut and lock it
Spotting flowers and champagne bottles sent with uplifting messages
I become desperate for a seat
Relief in the form of a chair under the glaring light of a mirror
A place that I remembered sitting before the show started
Long gone are the anxious thoughts and heart palpitations
My face placed within a mirrored reflection
Drenched in sweat
Bearing pains that my body has learned to accept
Yet, a profound question lingers in the depth of my mind
Teary eyed, I confront it
“Am I nothing more than your entertainment?”