Fame
People become heroes due to leading or resisting,
whereas ordinary people have their hands full just existing.
But lately it occurs to me that people are reacting
less to who folks really are and more to how they’re acting.
To be best at anything I know would be exciting––
to earn world renown due to one’s politics or writing;
but if I had the time and nerve to simply write and ask
how each famous person really feels behind the mask
of notoriety and fame whereon they look so snappy,
the question I would ask each one is, “Are you really happy?”
Would Robin Williams tell the truth faced with this request––
or any of the others who respond at my behest?
Michael Jackson, Carly Simon, Liberace, Yeats?
All the angry politicians railing in debates?
Did Jackie Kennedy love her life? Did Natalie Wood? Does Cher?
How does the Royal family feel faced with the world’s rude stare?
Is Dave Chappelle gleeful? Is Obama happiest for
his entrance to the White House or his walking out the door?
I can’t imagine dealing with the constant wild attention––
love offset by hating, admiration with contention.
Is all this gross celebrity a cause for celebration?
Does it make you happy to stand up before our nation
and have some people cheering you and others rudely booing?
Do you ever wonder what it is that you are doing?
Do teenagers stalking you, waiting round every bend
make a rock star happy? Does he wish it all would end?
I know the question’s obvious as well as rude and lame,
but if you did it over, would you still go for the fame?
Are the cheering jeering crowds still fuel for your vanity
Or would you rather trade them in for simple life––and sanity?
Today’s NaPoWriMo prompt is to write a poem in the form of a fan letter to a celebrity.
http://www.napowrimo.net/
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
Interesting pondering. From my small experience with celebrities — regional, mostly, rather than national? I’d say the percentage of happy people is about the same for non-celebrities. Celebrity doesn’t make you happy — at least not long-term. I suspect most “happy celebrities” are happy despite it rather than because of it.
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I suspect you are right.
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Wow, what at great and thoughtful poem – and it even rhymes. *clap clap*
If it’s true what you sometimes read, many celebrities actually need the attention, the appreciation – the feeling that they are loved. Even if that is sometimes accompanied by stalking teenagers and annoying groupies. At least I imagine that’s part of the reason why the Stones are still touring at age 60+
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Judging from Carly Simon’s autobiography, that is probably why Mick
is!
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very good poem makes me wanna write for poetry month.
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So I hope you do, Lauren.
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I really enjoyed this, Judy! The tone is perfect for the subject matter– a great combination of playful, pointed, and thought-provoking.
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Thanks, Alex. Your dad should be the one discussing this matter, right?
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