Home » Poems » Michelle Faulkner » That Gilded Cage

That Gilded Cage

If I were famous, I would hide Behind gates of that gilded cage Displayed, my privacy denied Burned by hot spotlights of the stage Not for me is the glittered path My face splashed across TV screens Where strangers ask for autographs I am the handmaid, not the queen Celebrity can do some good Help out a charitable cause Supplying medicine and food Giving true heroes the applause I'm not immune to gold's allure For cold hard cash, I just might switch But from fame's name, I would detour To be anonymously rich. 3/16/21

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Ann Peck

Date: 11/9/2021 1:55:00 PM

Just found this gem! It seems so much misery is passed among the rich and famous. So why go there. Anonymously, yes! As soon as I win the Sweepstakes, I'm only telling my kids, my best friends,and my neighbors :) But first, I have to enter them. Anyhow, Congratulations! You are rich with words.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 11/12/2021 7:04:00 AM

Thanks Ann, I'm so touched, especially your last part' rich with words' - I'll take it!

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/23/2021 6:03:00 AM

Hi Michelle, I’m just coming back to say congratulations on your win. It was as well deserved. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis

Christuraj Alex

Date: 5/22/2021 1:15:00 PM

Beautiful. Congratulations!

Eric Cohen

Date: 4/28/2021 12:59:00 PM

Well penned, Michelle. Rich but not famous is the holy grail, indeed.

Robert Pettit

Date: 4/8/2021 5:35:00 PM

Good descriptiveness and rhyming here.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 3/17/2021 5:41:00 PM

Have your cake and eat it too -- Lots of money and nothing to do. :) gw

Rico Leffanta

Date: 3/17/2021 12:07:00 PM

Well thought and penned, Michelle! The truly demanding part of owning possessions is trying to keep them! Aloha! Rico

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/17/2021 12:00:00 PM

Dear Michelle, I adore the artistry and rich eloquence with which you express your introspection. I admire your rhyme; “path with autographs” - ingenious! And the beautiful contrast of; “I am the handmaid, not the queen” - brilliant! Superb poetry as always, and by the way, I’m with you! Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 3/17/2021 4:21:00 AM

Yes, if you have a greater good but fame for fame’s sake...

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/17/2021 2:15:00 AM

Wouldn't suit me Michelle as i like to keep my head down but I admire the famous who use that fame to help mankind. Tom

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/16/2021 10:03:00 PM

I think Anonymity is the way to go.;0)

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/16/2021 8:17:00 PM

Hey Alexis.. If this is for a contest, don't you need the contest name at the bottom? Fame can be so fleeting and not always coming with lots of money at all Many donate anonymously. I learned that when I worked in Beverly Hills...an accounting firm to the stars. They have others handle their money.tney don't see bills or notices like we do. No movies being made now. That's Ok with me. They are sleazy, violent and who needs that?

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 3/21/2021 2:21:00 PM

Fame, and money, can be used wisely or selfishly, as you say - also about the contest, unless the sponsor requires it, you don't have to put the contest at the bottom, it is usually optional~

Juliet Ligon

Date: 3/16/2021 8:10:00 PM

Enjoyed your poetic expressions. This flows nicely. I'm with you, I wouldn't want the spotlight either.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 3/21/2021 2:20:00 PM

I think fame is as much a curse as a gift, maybe even more so, thanks for your comment, Juliet~

Alexis Y.

Date: 3/16/2021 6:40:00 PM

Hi Michelle, What a good take on the contest theme. I think many like that they would be just fine if they could somehow be “ anonymously famous.” Best wishes in the contest. I enjoyed the read. Have a good evening.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 3/16/2021 6:43:00 PM

Thanks, Alexis - I've always thought fame was one of those 'be careful what you wish for' wishes - thanks for your comment!