"Without memory there can be no insight. Without love, there can be no appreciation."
Anne Rice
From the deepest recesses of the crowded hall
Came a thunderous applause that shook the walls
An artist par excellence was on stage taking a last bow
For four and forty years he had regaled the audience with his
High-octane performances and sonorous dialogues
He was a master of his craft, a consummate artist
When he sang, little fairies danced in the air
When he spoke, angels would gather to listen to
The most heavenly and articulate voice ever
Whenever on stage he eclipsed others
His performances bringing coolness to the eyes
His magical voice poured nectar into the ears
Desperate to be soothed from the jarring sounds of modern music
Today, was no different, it was an act beyond compare
Far exceeding the expectations of an indulgent audience
Overflowing the balconies.
There was acting, singing, comedy, and serious moments
It didn’t matter if there wasn’t enough seating for all
It didn’t matter if the air-conditioning was struggling
To keep the jampacked hall cool
It didn’t matter if the power was off for more than an hour
What mattered was they had come to watch their
Favourite artist, to inspire and be inspired.
“Artists crave for appreciation” is a statement long
flogged to death by writers, yet it contains
the essence of truth not recognized by many
and unreciprocated by a few.
This seasoned artist was of a different ilk
As he rose to speak there was again a
Thunderous applause
Greeting him, which was for the umpteenth time
It took ages before it died down
Finally, the audience had a chance to listen to
The maestro.
“Dear ladies and gentlemen,” said he
You have loved and appreciated my work
For many decades
You have honoured me with great compliments and accolades
I am forever grateful for the love you’ve showered
On me”. He took a deep breath, tried to say something
But stopped, his breathing seemed laboured, his face
Wrought with anxiety.
At last, the words came out “With great sadness, I announce that
I shall be retiring today, I won’t be performing again.”
The audience was stunned into silence
Glad nobody has a pin to drop. I thought
Suddenly, the 6.2 feet tall figure that had graced the stage
For more than four decades came crashing down
Much bigger than a pin, the sound was even more
Deafening
People rushed to the stage but to no avail
The lifeless body lay there with sadness
Reflecting on the face
The crowd swelled, displaying mixed emotions
Appreciation for the genius and sadness for losing him
He had left this world never to return, to ply his trade
He lived, strived, and craved for appreciation
And died for it.
