shallow thoughts
masquerading as profound
praised and rejoiced by the crowd
for simplicity beckons comprehension
while complexity ruins false realities

I find bitterness
in how they sing, dance, and act
real talents in camera smiles
fooling everyone because
they've fooled themselves
hiding behind duplicity

putting on a spectacular show
rather than facing what lies in truth
cheating themselves by burying
sorrow, pain, and the desolate feelings
that test their strength
makes them human

so few of us willing and able
to face our own reckoning
to bear the weight of the journey
and the hope that what makes it perilous
is what makes it worthwhile