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Underneath Glamor and Glitz

Self-expression is dependent upon personality We can only really be who we are deep inside, Some folks by their nature defy conventionality. There are folks who can set inner nature aside And, with strong determination, choose to be Whatever they want to be with enormous pride. I am thinking, specifically, of people in comedy Who are hurting deep inside, but never show it; Perhaps, never realizing it, do not seek a remedy. We can all think of sad, sad cases this shoe fits, It always behooves us to look below the surface What’s going on beneath all the glamor and glitz? I suspect this may lead to some who will deface Others merely wear jeans instead of fancy lace. Written July 29, 2022

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/30/2022 10:08:00 PM

Your last line gives me pause... What is it with jeans?!! And these days torn and tattered jeans?!! Whatever is the attraction?!! Beats me, sincerely.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2022 8:23:00 AM

(chuckling) I hear you, gw. I don't understand the ripped up jeans either. I didn't have them in mind when I used the term jeans. Can you help me with a better word? I'd appreciate it.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/30/2022 9:14:00 AM

Robin Williams, Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason to name but three "I am thinking, specifically, of people in comedy Who are hurting deep inside, but never show it;"

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/30/2022 11:00:00 AM

So true, Caren. I just watched a biopic on Ella Fitgerald. She was an incredibly singer, probaby one of the greatest of all times, but there were streams of sadness running through her whole life.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/29/2022 8:52:00 PM

Insightful Milton, so true. We pretend sometimes to be all right when inside there are emotions stirring, and depression runs rampant. Actors we are, hiding our true emotions not wanting others to notice our plight. Here are some famous suicides, Anthony Bourdain, comes to mind, Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Cleopatra, writer Virginia Wolf, writer Sylvia Plath, Nero, Junior Seau, Margot Kidder actress, David Carradine, all probably experienced what you eloquently expressed.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/30/2022 8:46:00 AM

Thanks for your information and your thoughtful comment, Michael. You, my friend, are quite the researcher and writer!

Jenna Logan

Date: 7/29/2022 2:05:00 PM

Tom is right about Robin Williams. Who knew the burdens he carried? I always think of a circus clown who paints on a smile when beneath the make-up his smile is upside down. Things to go 'hmmm' about, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/29/2022 6:58:00 PM

Thank you so much, Jenna. I appreciate your comment so much.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/29/2022 1:48:00 PM

It made me think of Robin Williams reading this a talented comedian who hid his demons well. Probably too proud to ask for help. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/29/2022 6:58:00 PM

Yes, I thought of Robin Williams when I was writing this, Tom. He is a good example of what this poem has to say. Thanks!