SPIRITS OF THE FALLEN STARS

SPIRITS OF THE FALLEN STARS

      Spirits of the fallen stars come forth from the grave and speak to the living. Tell us, where did it all go wrong?  Where did money, fancy clothes, and shiny cars turn into the frowns that left scars?  We need to know what it is in super-stardom that tends to lead individuals down the path of self-destruction.  Did we hear but fail to listen when you spoke to us of being a prisoner in your own home?  Is it a fact that life at the top is so lonely that it is not worth living? 

Speak to the thousands of aspiring youths, whose dream is to follow in your footsteps, and caution them of the pitfalls.  Hold up a sign that says “beware” before another person takes the fatal step into the dungeon of stardom.

The list reads like the “Who’s Who of America”: Marilyn, Elvis, Janis, Kurt, Jimi, Anna Nicole, and Michael.  Are there any left?  Oh, dare I forget Jim! There was something about that “door” that once you entered you never wanted to leave.  Yes, I’m talking about the door of fame that opens into the living room of fortune.  Is it “grateful” being dead, or is there greatness in “staying alive?” 

Where is it “Mr. and Miss Grave Yard Socialite” that you go for the “Great Reunion in the Sky?”  Is it in the mist of clouds that whirl over the mansion in Memphis, or in the sparkling sunshine that leads the way to Never-Never-Land?   Is it your presence that is felt in the hum of the gentle winds that sweep across the sloping plains of Max Yasgur’s Farm?  I doubt we who are living will ever know, but one thing we do understand, you are not with us any more and we miss you.

We cannot help but wonder what it is that makes so many want to follow in your footsteps.  We hear our friends say, “If I had the looks of Marilyn” or “If I could sing like Elvis or dance like Michael” I would be happy.  Somewhere “Mr. Happy” got lost in the shuffle. 

As “Mr. and Mrs. Public”, we saw the talent, but we did not recognize the sorrow.  We saw a bosom of glamour, but we failed to see a heart. We saw a shield of emeralds, but we did not see a person.  What we saw was a puppet on a string used as a moneymaking machine.  Not just for yourself but for many others who surrounded you. 

“Mr. and Miss Entertainment,” you did not set a good example for those who desire to be like you.  If this is what fame and fortune brings, those of us from grassroots America should be proud.  The days, the hours, and the moments, all the time that we spend being happy is sufficient for our contentment. We wish that in some way we could have extended that happiness to you. 

If we failed you by looking at the glamour and not into your heart, we are truly sorry.  Even though our apology may be too late for you, maybe we can stop others from getting caught in the trap of “Fame and Fortune Addiction.”