Glare of the spotlight

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” ~ Norma Desmond, “Sunset Boulevard”

Have you ever felt that your entire life is just a movie, and you, and everyone around you, are just characters in that movie? (Think “The Truman Show.”)

There are days when I just go through the motions, not really paying attention to what I’m doing, or saying. I’m just reciting my “lines” by rote.

Other days, the entire focus seems to be on me. That every little miscue, every time I miss my mark, flub my lines, or trip over the scenery, the spotlight puts all eyes on those gaffes.

The critics are licking their lips, ready to devour me in their reviews of my performance, regardless of how well-loved I may be by my public.

Then there are the days when everything goes brilliantly. I give an award-winning show, saying all the right things, at exactly the right time, with perfect delivery. And, I remember to thank the people who helped me rise to celebrity status.

It’s not my goal to be a star. I’m happy being part of an ensemble cast, one of several getting equal billing. That mega-million dollar salary would be nice though.