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Superstar

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The adoring crowd here at Red Rocks amphitheatre awaits. Tonight, like every night, I will go out there and give them my best. They will show their love by means of applause and whistles. When I am on the stage it's like being on top of the world. The adrenalin rushing through my veins gives me a high that is hard to explain. I am invincible, indestructible, free. What the fans don't know is how terribly lonely I am. Each night, after the performance, I go back to my hotel room and try to drink the emptiness away. Food has become a loathsome thing to me. I starve myself to give them the look they crave, the stick-thin waif living the rock star life. I die a little after each show. How I abhor this life. And yet the fame addiction is too strong. I hate it and desire it all at once. To become comfortably numb before I enter dream world is the best I can hope for. Well, I've just received my cue. Time to give them what they want. If only they could understand that what I really need is someone to hold my hand, to tell me everything will be okay, that I am loved whether I perform or not, that I am a good person, that I have worth just as I am. But for tonight, the show must go on. I am a puppet on a string. And they, the puppeteers. playing the fame game standing on top of the world empty soulless life "Fame has a tendency to destroy otherwise good people" - Me

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Gray Squirrel

Date: 5/21/2025 10:22:00 PM

The most Impressive concert I ever attended was at Red Rocks. The location, sundown and Switchfoot particularly blew my mind. I imagine Loneliness in Facing the Crowd must be increasingly frustrating. I'd rather be a squirrel with big squirrelly freedom than famous at all, any day.

Tom Woody
Date: 5/22/2025 5:37:00 AM

I've been to red rocks though no concert at the time. I wouldn't want to be famous for sure

Jim Slaughter

Date: 1/6/2024 10:29:00 AM

This one resonates with me, Tom. I loved performing on stage back in my acting days, but I don't think I could have handled the life of a "rock star" very well, either. I visited Red Rocks briefly a long time ago on a trip to Colorado, but I didn't get to catch anyone performing there...alas.

Tom Woody
Date: 1/6/2024 1:23:00 PM

There are working performers and there are stars. I prefer the former. Thx Jim

Lisa Ricci

Date: 10/14/2023 4:18:00 AM

Good Morning Tom. Hello. Yes, I imagine it is lonely at the top and being and achieving the superstar status be it any career or venue. The emotive factor is present and is felt by the reader. To the superstars may they rethink their soulless lives. Thank you for sharing your writing talent. Have a wonderful day and weekend. Blessings (smile)

Tom Woody
Date: 11/12/2023 2:53:00 PM

Yes, so sad. Thx Lisa

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/6/2023 12:18:00 PM

You seem to have gotten into the heart of some performer out there who is hurting even though famous. Thanks for sharing this point of view with us. Your visit to my page was uplifting. Sara

Tom Woody
Date: 10/6/2023 12:26:00 PM

Many, sad to say. Thx

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 9/29/2023 12:47:00 PM

Absolutely Tom fame and money destroy a person and yet some people wish they had their type of life. My philosophy is that we are happy and content with what we have. Yet They (them) continue with a precarious life perhaps they deem they have the money and are beyond reproach, but there is some good within some of them. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/30/2023 5:56:00 AM

I share your philosophy Jen. Thx so much

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 9/29/2023 4:49:00 AM

This is such an interesting, introspective write from the perspective of a star artist, Tom. "I hate it and desire it, all at once"... All stars of fame must be thinking this way, for sure... " empty soulless life"... how true... Excellent and thought provoking. Thank you for your visit to my page. God bless... ~ Ani

Tom Woody
Date: 9/29/2023 5:53:00 AM

On top of everything else the have no privacy. Paparazzi should be banned universally. Thx Anitha

Yann Rolland

Date: 9/27/2023 8:17:00 PM

this is the value of art, exchanging talent and passion, with people, in a show, a very interesting and original poem to share, thanks yann

Tom Woody
Date: 9/28/2023 5:26:00 AM

Danke

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/27/2023 1:43:00 PM

good one taking it from their perspective. I think I would not mind fame since I would still live a simple life!

Tom Woody
Date: 9/30/2023 5:57:00 AM

Haha true. And not too much paparazzi

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/28/2023 3:27:00 PM

It would be cool to be a famous poet though. They sure don't make much money

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 2:20:00 PM

Ahhh I think that's the deception though. Very few are able to actually achieve that. Thx for read

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/27/2023 1:22:00 PM

Sorry for typos .No glasses and it's late and dark here..A Fave, Tom

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 2:19:00 PM

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/27/2023 1:21:00 PM

The Fame game is soulless indeed.. Loneliness is as dark as the night..Common people might be surrounded by friends and family,yet feel all alone,cause they are nor seen for who they are..They are seen for whom they represent.& when people cant see your worth for who you truly are,that's sad,Much worse it is for famous people who do not have to represent themselves to their family & friends only,but to the crowds,to the world.Solitude a blessing,Loneliness a curse.WoW Tom!Fantastic!

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 2:19:00 PM

Loneliness. Death on two legs. You seem to have many who see your true worth. I'm glad. Thx for visit

Sotto Poet

Date: 9/27/2023 11:23:00 AM

Tom, your Haibun was truly exceptional. It is a paradox to be surrounded by a crowd of adoring fans, yet feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness and yearning for love and appreciation. Your words truly resonated with me, tugging at my heart.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 1:08:00 PM

Fame bites. Hey thx Lasaad

Maria Williams

Date: 9/26/2023 11:54:00 PM

Fame has its merits for some, sadly not for ones who fall victim to the game of puppet . I feel that it hits hardest the ones who are sensitive and emotional. Traits often found in gifted people. They become victims of their own making. My father was very famous in his own right as a musician, but, he was a force of his own. He called the tune literally. Guess it takes a strong person to do that. A wonderful Haibun Tommy . You're so very good at these . A gave for me. Hugs

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 5:59:00 AM

It can become an addiction, just as surely as the alcohol and drugs and casual sex that goes with the lifestyle. For some, an empty soulless life indeed

Valsa George

Date: 9/26/2023 10:33:00 PM

A man torn between two ambivalent urges.... the urge for fame and the urge to be accepted as he is and loved. I always love your haibuns deat Tom which always resonate with life and written in beautiful language. There is always a beautiful haiku to adorn it as a pendant on a chain.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 5:57:00 AM

Much thx for inspiring comment Valsa

Joanna Daniel

Date: 9/26/2023 8:40:00 PM

A profoundly sad poem that tells of the disadvantages of fame, Tom, well penned, can feel the angst:)

Tom Woody
Date: 9/27/2023 5:56:00 AM

Sad indeed. Thx Joanna

Brandy Nicole

Date: 9/26/2023 6:56:00 PM

Striving for the ideal look through starvation; is never a good idea. So sad what many go through, for popularity. Yes, the emotions are real, but that's looked over by many- because they are pulling the strings. Heartbreaking, indeed. ~ Brandy

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 7:23:00 PM

So many names come to mind; Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter, Jackie Evancho etal. I wouldn't want to be famous for all the money in the world

I Am Anaya

Date: 9/26/2023 6:37:00 PM

"What the fans don't know is how terribly lonely I am. Each night, after the performance, I go back to my hotel room and try to drink the emptiness away." Damnit, compelled overall, but this still gets to me. You are a great poet, T.W.! Excelling, C'mon and keep sharing your talent!!

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 7:24:00 PM

Great? Meh. I guess if nothing else I have a unique voice. Thx for your ongoing support my poet friend

Bill Baker

Date: 9/26/2023 5:28:00 PM

Wonderful Haibun, Tommy. You shared the tragedy of fame in an entertaining yet informative way. I enjoyed the poetry, the intro-photo and the closing personal quote ... all excellent! A FAV for my list, my friend. Bill

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 7:25:00 PM

I'm glad this struck a chord Bill. Happy Wednesday

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 9/26/2023 4:15:00 PM

wow this is so well done Woody, you are made of flesh and blood, I love this

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 4:32:00 PM

Flesh, blood, and a little bit of rock n roll. Thx Rose

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 9/26/2023 2:31:00 PM

yes, fame is a double-edged sword..poignant piece

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 3:39:00 PM

Silent One

Date: 9/26/2023 6:11:00 AM

I think many famous people feel like this, i think of people like Robbie Williams and Freddie Mercury.. sometimes fame is not enough, we miss the simple things in life.. You described the situation very well in you haibun, a form you do very well..

I Am Anaya
Date: 9/26/2023 6:38:00 PM

Awe, Freddie Mercury, say no more!

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 6:17:00 AM

Thx SO. "Loneliness was tough, the toughest role you ever played..." - Candle in the Wind

Hiya Sharma

Date: 9/26/2023 2:49:00 AM

My gosh, this write is so deeply melancholic and you've so well expressed how a person at the centre of fame can possibly be living a lonely life, yearning for someone to actually show care n concern and assure them in their emotionally tough times. Not only for celebrities and performers, but when we start performing outstandingly in any field and are at the centre of attention, we often face ourselves alone, because we get surrounded by fake faces.. What a profound haibun, brilliantly written

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 5:38:00 AM

Sigh. Fake faces, fake comments, fake adoration, all hallmarks of SM. Thx for visit Hiya

Ink Empress

Date: 9/26/2023 1:06:00 AM

Soulless empty lives, so well said! What a most deeply moving haibun this is! So poignant and true. And iv seen and i know so many that perform or are celebrities that feel this way, they dont really have real friends or people they could Count on, its sad reality. And theres also a song by britney spears, hah “ lucky” watch it. For some reason resonates wimme too. So good to see you posting and I absolutely loved the emotions in this one! Very well delivered and crafted!

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 5:37:00 AM

This could easily be about her, but was actually inspired by another singer who became famous as a child and then in her teens developed an eating disorder. So sad

Becca Teagan

Date: 9/25/2023 9:42:00 PM

It's weird to think someone with so many adoring fans could feel lonely. It's true, all any of us really need is someone to make us feel loved and valued. Love this style of poetry, Tom, you're good at it.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 5:35:00 AM

Thx for visit Becca. This isn't my best haibun. I hope you get a chance to look at the others. More of the "luv" stuff you like

Arlo Parker

Date: 9/25/2023 7:06:00 PM

Good capture of someone's life. And yet we of the not-so-famous ilk can relate so well... :o/

Arlo Parker
Date: 9/26/2023 10:45:00 AM

Simply Arlo. Danke Schoen.

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 6:40:00 AM

No, it's Wayne

Tom Woody
Date: 9/26/2023 5:37:00 AM

Thx arlo

Karen Jones

Date: 9/25/2023 5:04:00 PM

This is engaging. I too was a performer and the attention is addictive. Hoping you find that special someone but first you must find that one inside of you. Hugs

Tom Woody
Date: 9/25/2023 5:19:00 PM

Ooh great comment. Sadly, most don't. I really believe in walking away from the toxicity that is fame