"Where The Roses Die"

It had lights and loads of glamor!
It was called the Silver Screen.
To be a leading character,
was every starlet's dream!

The girls in small town America
swooned as leading men
rode off into the sunset
leaving ladies adoring them!

A million aspiring starlets
packed their bags and left
to seek their fame and fortune
leaving families bereft.

Where so many seek their fortune
the stage is overrun;
success is often elusive,
and never easily won.

To keep body and soul together
many lovely girls were forced
to lower their lofty standards
temporarily, of course.

Many a pretty Rose
found a seamier side
within the lights of Tinsel Town,
though it cost them soul and pride.

Within its dim lit taverns,
many lovely starlets cry,
and are lost in an urban jungle
where all the Roses die.
 

Reviews

[Ellen Hammond]

This is an outstanding poem filled with the sad truth that so many need to hear. Its okay to have dreams, and to strive to attain them but not at the cost of your integrity and and conscience. I love the rhyme and flow and the message even more. Very well penned.

[LisetteCanWrite!]

Oh this is so crazy but in such a great way! I feel as though I could have truly written this as it's so close to a few of mine.. made me laugh and cry. I loved the rhythm, rhyme and flow.. as well as the UNDENIABLE truth. The chasing of dreams comes at such high costs sometimes as to lower standards and self-worth... this can apply too in so many professions! Winds of change my friend.. capitalism is the key where everyone feels they have no choice but to keep climbing that success ladder.. they really should stick somewhere in the middle I think.. but it's everyone's own choice!

To keep body and soul together
many lovely girls were forced
to lower their lofty standards
temporarily, of course.

These lines are brilliant and made me ponder most.. the standards temporarily lost? Well that of course depends on the strength and ability of one to look in the mirror after and still feel self-worth in the battle.. if in a spotlight.. those loss of standards can sometimes leave a permanent human stain that is truly sad. Lots of younger people should read this.. and of course there are those on top that will argue that they got there clean, fair and square.. but of course that is truly rare! Thank you for sharing.. REALLY looking forward to reading so more of your work!