Romancing the Stage

I remember when you were all I ever thought of. I ran to you in the morning. I left warily when the sun had long given up. I gave my everything for you; I was afraid not to. I knew what happened to those who refused. I was content with a pat on the head when you recognized my pained attempts to please. To an outsider, it was a give-and-take kind of situation. To an outsider, you were the gift. I knew better.

You ran off to show your glam to the world, I stayed behind to pick up the extra sequins that quietly fluttered to the floor. You basked in the lights and applause, I sat quietly in darkness until the magic died down. You demanded power and attention, I slaved to make everyone else see it. You only let me in when the eyes weren't on you; though you'd never say that out loud, we both understood I would have ruined your razzle dazzle.

And we both survived, didn't we? I loved you. I always will, even though I'll never come back again. There's only enough room to shine for one of us. And I'm the one who looks good in lingerie.

Let us clink and drink one down for my stupidly battered heart.