In the limelight, it's a romance.

Behind the scenes, a tragedy.

The lights dim and fade,

But the echo of applause remains.

The curtains fall; the actors flee,

Yet I remain on-stage,

Not existing until the next scene.

I'm a front, a fraud, a fake.

None of the emotion is heartfelt;

I place my smiles on like a mask,

Naturally impersonating

A better version of myself.