Ruth Desjardins Applause
He wanted to be admired
And chased for what he was
He wanted to dazzle the people.
He wanted the world’s applause.
He wanted to be respected.
He wanted the people to see
The talent he carried inside him.
And all the things he could be.
He wanted someone to love him
To see the goodness inside
He wanted someone to be safe with
But be locked his love inside.
Fear and frustration had chained him
To reaching then running away.
Leaving him fighting a battle
That always led to pain
And when he came close to loving
His fears rose up again
And he lashed out to kill the loving
And looked for applause again.
And there were many to cheer him
To admire the talents he had
But only one who saw the truth
Who watched him, alone and sad.
Who wondered what hope he could give her
Though a tangle of virtues and flaws
Would he ever be strong enough to love
Or stay hidden behind applause.
