The Performance of Life

What is life
but a stage
a play, a performance

Are you the star; do they cheer
Do you dress in character
and spout pious phrases
written by another
Phrases that you know
will win you favor

Or do you speak
words that are real
words that cause the masses
to despise your name

Are you the villain
whom the crowd
loves to hate
Or the friend
that speaks inane;
simply comic relief

Maybe yours
is the role of support
unseen, unheard

What is your role
did you decide
Or did you accept
the one in front of you
the easy path
the path of least resistance?