The Show Must Go On…Right? Asking For A Friend…
The show must go on…
That’s right, isn’t it?
It must…
But why must it go on?
Asking for a friend…
Who decides what lives or dies?
Figuratively speaking of course…
Does anyone care if the show goes on?
Contracts unsigned
Performers in limbo
Just a few arrive for practice
The rest, well no one is sure
Names still on the marquis
Biographies and histories
Aged photographs
Lots of people wondering
Are they ever returning?
Has the limelight gotten too dim?
The stages too worn
Audience too thin
The crowds more like a small gathering
But enthusiastic and engaged
They keep coming
Hoping
Maybe silently thinking
That this will be their last show
Enjoy the acts for a final time
And then quietly go…
Slip away to that unknown place
Perhaps they’ll find our missing performers
Ask them why and when and what the reasons
For going away, that is…
When going on appears to be going away
But on occasion
Someone long lost suddenly appears
Full of zest and ready to perform
A star is reborn…
Whispers among the crowds
Could it be?
Might is be?
Is there a chance that more will follow?
Acts unseen for years
Joining the few that have never wavered
Oh the joy
Lines at the ticket counter
Conversations and visitations
And for a few days it seems as if all is well
At least until they go…
Lost again to the ‘who knows where’
Voices gone silent
Emptiness once again creeps in
Empty seats
Empty accounts
The nagging feeling returns
Could the show continue?
Will it?
Should it?
- When We Lost Control - October 13, 2025
- The Crumbling Space Around Me - October 10, 2025
- Sorrow - October 9, 2025
Like life, the show does just go on, with us or without us. Interesting take and well expressed Ralph. Enjoyed it.
Interesting perspective indeed, all the entertainers that have come and gone. Performed their acts to crowds. brought happiness, sorrow and tears to many a fan. Where have they all gone, such talent now laying beyond the other side. A return would be wonderful, but like ashes from a burning log, they fade into the air, having left their mark here on earth. Maybe life is just to form memories then fade away. I say bring in the clowns to lift all the rippled faces that exist today. I know the show is going on Ralph, but for how long is the never ending question. Well penned and enjoyed.