The Periphery

Many love the spotlight
And will grab it when they can.
Attention-seeking seems to be
Their life-long master plan.

Others bask in adulation
When it comes their way,
Though they’re just as happy
When they aren’t on display.

But a lot of folks are living,
Or at least from what I see,
An existence in the shadows
Or on the periphery.

As they’re standing on the sidelines
And observing from afar,
Opportunities drift by
Yet they are stuck right where they are.

It’s a mystery what holds them – 
Varied reasons all their own – 
But contented or resentful,
They’re insistently unknown.

Still, behind closed doors, just maybe,
Though they’re hidden from our sight,
They are nurturing some talent
That may never see the light.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Amadore Avatar
March 8, 2015 at 9:15 PM
A wise, keenly observant, empathetic poem, Ilene. Well done.
Dietrich Avatar
March 8, 2015 at 3:53 PM
a good look at human kind. I am the second stanza kind of person. WEnt to a mini conference for teachers yesterday and learned the most fascinating thing about happiness. Only 10 percent of it is "circumstance." A whopping 50% is genetic and 40% what we make for ourselves. I think the main core of your poem is for those that need to really put themselves out there and try hard for their piece of the pie!
Johnson Avatar
March 8, 2015 at 2:20 PM
That's what's nice about this poetry. People can display their wares. But still it will depend on if somebody even cares. The many shades of insight and choice of intellect. Brings to one's mind what they feel that they want to collect. Hope you're having a warmer nice weekend ilene. Awesome poem once again. Although, I do not take your talent for granted. Peace. :)
J.T. Avatar
March 8, 2015 at 2:17 PM
Lines 5-8 suits me best. Good poem -JT
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