Author's Note: This poem is the second in a series of poems I was going to post in a single packet. I've decided to post them separately instead.

On the Crumbling Crag of Doubt
A Poetry Series

Number Two:

Five Sharp Points

I want to be in the movies
I want to flip through scripts and memorize lines
I want to express what's on the page and 'become'
I want the lights to contrast and shadow me
I want the camera to remember my performance

I don't want stardom
I don't want to be recognized in the grocery store
I don't want fans groping my ankles
I don't want tears of adoration turning me sodden
I don't want envious glares over my lucky fate

I want to do the job because it thrills me
I want to affect people; make them laugh, cry, feel, think
I want paychecks to cover food, shelter, clothing, interaction
I want recognition of my smarts, compassion, talents, skills
I want respect from my peers, my family, my friends along the way

I don't want to avoid real work
I don't want to be a pretty face, my flaws exposed or erased
I don't want lavish vacations, caviar, champagne, designer anything
I don't want acceptance after the bank is overflowing
I don't want to look back and sneer, "I told you so"

Okay, a lavish vacation, once or twice in my lifetime, would be nice

The best, though, would be not having to explain like this
Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers don't have to justify
So why do I
Why do I
Why are my points stabbed back at me

~August 2003, RMKS

Thank you for indulging.