His first foray was a big success,
Audiences and critics liked it alike,
The baggage of applause that was to follow
Was a bit hard for him to swallow.

The idea of topping himself drove him crazy,
His success, his antagonist.
Blinded by the pressure on the shore
He crumbled down to the very core.

The atrocious despise that followed
On his second venture
Made him think of a different validation,
A path which led to less public humiliation.

Alas how futile his efforts really were
Every now and then he would
Encounter the same disdain
From people who had nothing to ascertain.

The very people that demonize others,
Are those who cannot look straight.
The very people that are shabby,
Are those who lie to themselves to be happy.

© Rakesh Bal.