Stage was set from the start
Of who I was supposed to be
How I was supposed to act
Rules I was expected to follow
All lights on me
Waiting for a stellar performance
And I bring it
Lines remembered
Actions precise
I stand on that Mark
And I perform
The show of my life
Not one beat is missed
And when it’s all over
I stand before the crowd
And I WAIT
I await the applause
That never comes
I await the praise
That is never received
I stand before my audience
Scanning the crowd for
ONE sign of approval
I scan, peering from face to face
I scan, searching for approval
I SCAN
Seeking Confirmation, Acquiring Nothing
I take my bow, bending for
The last time toward others
I stand up, and walk away
I stand up, and walk towards
My new start
Away from those who
Caught my final show
Towards those who applaud
Me for originality
For novelty
For being sincere
For Being ME.