George Michael Is Dead

George Michael Is Dead

Have you ever striven

or yearned for perfection,

in love, achievement, possessions,

knowing it to be beyond your reach?

All too often the frailties, flaws and cracks

mask the talent, wisdom and art

that a mere mortal possesses;

yet we still chase the dream.

Even those who do get the 'girl',

the car and the mansion,

have self-doubt.

They reach the top

of the mountain they

chose to climb

but the view from the summit

is often less than clear,

the air far from sweet.

As still in their hearts lies doubt;

a craving for more, for better,

for acceptance, for adulation,

for recognition,

or simply for reassurance.

So they keep striving,

sometimes stepping over real people

on their journey,

or finding a shield or blanket

to hide themselves

from the glare of their expectations.

But more often than not,

to hide from the self

they fear,

and barely know.

06/01/17

Reviews

[GreenShoes]

It was a shocking thing on Christmas evening to hear the sad news that George Michael died. I don't know how he died, nor do I know what struggles he had while alive, but I know he had talent, and his music touched many people.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed and he has not been the only loss. Many thanks for the comment.

[wordman]

just like elvis ,it overwhelmed him

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Ron along with the growing list of greats. Many thanks for commenting.

[andrew mitchell]

A write to ponder on. I feel many run away from self absorbed or immersed in some goal but running away from self all the same. As for George like many, a great talent wasted, or just cut short. I think of Elvis, Hendrix, Morrison, and Hutchence and wonder what music they would have today. Sadly missed.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Glen Frey, Paul Kanter, Maurice White, Keith Emerson, Gerg Lake, Prince, Leonard Cohen and Rick Parfitt all to be remembered with thanks for what they have left behind rather than be missed.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Cheers buddy!

[DIVYA]

The self is to be feared the most. Is this why most celebrities become so insecure and take solace with drugs and addictions...it must be scary being in that place where there's such loneliness and monsters in the closet. I have often seen talented people and artists to have a dark side to them. George Michael was a great one. A very thoughtful tribute to him.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Divya. I think we all have such insecurities but celebrities have them magnified.

[Corset]

I love his music, I will miss it, He tried so hard to be "real". I can imagine the emotional changes one goes through to get recognition, respect. A very candid write on this, loved it.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thank yous Corset. A sad end to another talent.

[AquaWater5674]

I love the symbolism in this piece...
It captures..yes and unmasks..the complexity
Of a human heart...the desires..,
Unrequited to oneself..
Yet readily apparent to the world..
Rose colored glasses...
The frailty ..dignity..unveiled in his accomplishments..
He was like mercury..
If you ball up you fist it rolls away..
In an open palm it lies..
As if in a deep slumber...
Undisturbed...
This is a beautiful tribute...
To a complex and wonderful artist..
George Michael..
Would have truly appreciated this poem
Kudos
Great Writing
Debbie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks for such a considered review Debbie.

[Lyn Anderson]

Interesting you should choose the particular expression "get the girl" with George Michael. I find this past year so sad with so many untimely deaths of celebrities I grew up (or went through my early to late adolescence with) --celebrities are proof positive of what humans can and cannot achieve. Happiness is in the eye of the beholder, and no one cheats death. An insightful write.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks 'M' it is about the generality of human kind using George as the platform and out of respect to him I placed the girl in inverted commas.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, I did get that. I just thought it was an interesting choice, sums up the whole scene nicely.

[Sir Drift & Mr. Pulse]

This is a very deep writing. You've done an excellent work here sir.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks.