The Roleless Performance

Just a role, a painted mask they wear,
An unknown thirst burns in the heart's lair.

Flawless performance, oiled and styled hair,
Perfect smiles, singing the machine's air.

Best husband, son, brother, all take their stand,
On the stage, a play in a fabricated land.

But where's the actor, breaking free from the shell,
Singing their own song, a story to tell?

Through the cracks in the mask, an unknown sky,
Stars glitter, tears welling in the eye.

A flawless performance, no trace of a mistake,
Yet in the corner of the stage, a storm does awake.

The river of time flows silently on,
The roles fall away, the naked self is shown.

Then it's understood, there's no such thing as best,
Just a performance, outside one's own bequest.