Movie Star

The vultures are circling
Perched to strike
Again and again.
Are you looking for a sign
Of frailty?  Of weakness?
In my skin.

They eat me whole
While smiling.
Lights flashing
Taking my soul
It tastes good,
              doesn't it?

I adjust the mask
It has to be tight
If I must survive
This business at all.

Breathing in, I see
Their mouths
Of jagged white, 
I breathe deeply

And smile, and smile, and smile

My best role is yet to come
Such lies everywhere-- no?
But fools abound.
I begin...

"I'd like to thank the Academy..."

© K.D. Schultz