Home » Poems » Richard Puglisi » The Stage

The Stage

To stand on the stage
Look for eyes of approval
Mature at the proper age
Some say the world is a stage

Competition can be extreme
There is no simple method
Demands and hardships each day
This is the price you must pay

Lights will shine brightly on you
Makeup will not hide your face
Apprehension builds inside
Possibly a life in the theater just died

allegoryrhyme

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Jerry T Curtis

April 25, 2026 at 1:25 PM

I enjoyed this honest and accurate description, having been on stage a few time, I think I one of those who died,lol

Richard Puglisi

April 25, 2026 at 4:10 PM

Hello Jerry, Many thanks for your kind words. I'm very happy you enjoyed it. "died" - You and I both. Take care and all the best my friend. Rich

Gordon Mcconnell

November 3, 2025 at 6:33 AM

Hi Richard, I see you've not written many for awhile but this is well written and full of good imagery and expression with insightful line of thought too. Hope you start writing soon again, take care, Gordon

Richard Puglisi

November 3, 2025 at 9:46 AM

Hi Gordon, Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it. Yes, I haven't written any poetry in a while. I have been focused on finishing my nonfiction book of outdoor writings. It should be completed this month and then the fun starts (if you can call it fun), getting the book published. I hope to be back to writing poetry in 2026. Take care my friend. All the best, Rich

Brandy Nicole

April 20, 2024 at 6:42 PM

' Competition can be extreme. ' So true, and it seems to be getting worse. So many out there dealing with demands and hardships. This is so beautifully written and expressed. My best to you, Richard. ~ Brandy

Richard Puglisi

April 24, 2024 at 5:53 AM

Hello Brandy, Thank you so much for your kind words. I greatly appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed the poem. You are so right, life can be a difficult struggle these days. I think being optimistic and positive helps a lot to get you through the tough times. Take care. All the best, Rich

Jan Allison

June 25, 2023 at 4:59 AM

I've been on stage once - in front of 600 people and recited a couple of poems for a charity fundraiser. there were 3 of us on stage together, none of us suffered any nerves - it was a surreal experience! hugs jan xx

Richard Puglisi

February 20, 2024 at 4:29 PM

Hi Jan, Sorry for the late response. Thanks for your comments. I've read some of my poems in front of an audience (not 600 people) twice. And it is indeed is a unique experience. Take care. All the best, Rich

Joseph P. DiMino

January 10, 2023 at 4:06 AM

Well said. It must be terrifying...though most the audience can see beyond the slop, harking more to the honesty and bravery exhibited. I let fear crucify my heart for many years. Better to fail than fear. Hang in there. Joe.

Richard Puglisi

February 20, 2024 at 4:23 PM

Hi Joe, Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for your comments regarding my poem The Stage. And you are right there is nothing worse than fear and it is better to fail than to fear. On a more positive note, I recently read a couple of my poems to a local poetry group and it definitely adds another dimension to the art of poetry writing. Take care. All the best, Rich

The Stage

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