Soft Shoe

I'd like to think I have a gift
I'd like to think me rare
Humor talent moxie charm
Presence savoire faire
You should see me sing and dance
On my own private stage
There's never been a show like this
To me I'm all the rage

The critic in my mind could fill
The whole newspaper page
And rejection makes me wonder
Just how the judges gauge
To outside eyes is obvious
my mediocrity?
Self-talk self-assurance create
this dichotomy?
The voices of the Positives
Say don't indulge the dark
Believe the mirror write the pages
of private stage remarks

The follies I've performed
for loved ones and for friends
Shining spotlights on myself
Alighting my descent
My need for loud ovations
A stranger's rave review
Crumbling me because I find
Auditions far and few

I'm using all the charity
I've earned throughout the years
For one more chance at that big break
To cap off my career.
Thanks to all who've done before
Who choose to fill my ears
Who conjure up my distant soul
Once so cavalier
Tick-tock, time will do the trick
Rest assured I know
My stage fright temporary
My soul made for the show