TIME (or The Actor's Lament)

After months of preparation, it is time to start
You awaken each day knowing deep in your heart

More weeks will be spent in days full of work
The jam packed schedule that is starting to lurk

Time that is spent traveling near and far
While sitting in planes, in trains, or in cars

Time spent each morning (or night) in the chair
Working on make-up, wardrobe, and hair

Time spent waiting for each scene to be set
Working on lines and trying not to forget

Lighting and sound, each prop in its place
Knowing each movement in the right space

Time spent working again in each scene
Emitting emotions of happy, sad, or mean

Your ethic drives you to spend the day well
Working your hardest though at times it feels like hell

So little time left at the end of the day
Trying to rest and relax or maybe go play

Even after all that time there is still more to do
With talks for the press and numerous interviews

Question after question the time has just begun
To answer them plainly, each and every last one

Faces and more faces are seen every day
As you yearn for time spent far, far away

Then time on the carpet to wave and to smile
Soon after you know your cheeks will hurt for a while

Awards shows and accolades and pats on the back
It is time to be gracious even if praises may lack

But perseverance will prevail in the end
As you strive to prove yourself and the time that you spend

Cherish those moments then that rarely grace your door
And keep those close that mean even so much more

Find release in those that care
Not the ones that mock or stare

Your gentle spirit and strength lie within
But still it is easy to get sucked in

To the false lies and the demands of others
They will drag you down and try to smother

Yet the real you that needs to fight
Will still be there until the end of the night

So it will all be well worth it in the end
Support from family and that of your friends

Pursuing your dream surely is time well spent
Here's hoping that you get all that I meant.

12/25/14 - edited 1/24/15 -- ALJ

'Untitled'

Under flashing lights and on carpets of red
You face the nights alone and with dread

But do not fear for you are not alone
You are loved by the one that moved the stone

He sees the you that you truly are
And to Him you will always be a star

When others shout, mock, or complain
He is the one to love you time and again

Trust in His support, He is loyal and true
And though you feel alone, He is always with you

His desires can be yours, you need only ask
And then in His glory, you too will bask

12/25/13 -- ALJ

Deacon

You captured my heart

And have stolen it away

So it is my duty now

To always stop and pray

For blessings in life

On each incoming day

You are precious to me
And always will stay

12/18/14 - ALJ

Smile

How do you get through it all?

The demanding photo crowd

Beckoning, they call your name

As you turn, pose, and wow

All poise and politeness

You bravely enter the street

Ready to put on that smile

And then stop, face, and greet

Day after day the incessant flash

Each time you walk out that door

Never pleased with just one take

The world wants more, more, and more

11/22/2014 – ALJ

FAME

What is it we're fascinated by?
The shouting crowds
And screaming fans
For everyone to know your name

But what is it worth in the end
When those shouts are not all praise
Critiqued by everyone
And nowhere to hide

10/30/2014 - ALJ

Respect & Admiration

It's a beautiful line to walk
But run that road too often
And you'll scare them into shock

All the panting and swooning
Over each little move they make
What is it that we're really doing?

So much time spent thinking
About their daily lives
We soon forget we're scrambling

Trying to befriend the fame
Hoping it rubs off in some way
Getting them to know our name

What changes will it bring?
If we continue to chase them all
Only left with an empty sling

10/30/2014 - ALJ

ANONYMITY

What is it like to lose yourself?

Amongst the crowded streets

With flashing lights and high pitched screams

The non-stop parade of pics to sign

What is it like to have to duck and hide?

Running to not be seen

Looking for peace and quiet

And never finding rest in your day-to-day routine

The rumors they start

Everyone needs to know

Who you’re with at every moment

But don’t worry about the why

They’ve got that all figured out

Just working to write your life for you

How do you keep ahold of yourself?

When the world wants to control

All the events and memories of your day

Is it scary to think?

That so many know your face

Plastering it on their walls and screens

It’s a high price you pay

And you may never be the same

But we thank you, we the crazy fans

For helping us live just a little bit

In the shine of your spotlight

10/28/2014 – ALJ