When you're popular, you're supposed to maintain an image that the masses and fans would appreciate and love. You become an icon, an exemplar, an individual that others look up to. A person who may be close to perfection; a character that's familiar with vanity, manners, and refinement.
It can be challenging to be popular. The eyes of the world watch your every move, seeing in front of them, a life that's beyond desire and belief. They emulate how you wear your clothes, do your moves, and even copying your personality. The fans follow you wherever you go. They take photos of you and revere it as a trophy of success. That's what fandom is to some. It could be suffocating, especially when there is something, or someone, that wants to go out in moments when occasion is supposed to permit.
It is an inevitable crisis of the celebrity. It is a chain that binds the true individual. An image of another is paraded in the eyes of the people to conceal the being; for the sake of meeting an obligation. The real person is caged so that the industry will be satisfied with the presence of the perfect guy or girl. That's the price of fame and popularity in this cruel showbiz world.
Why share this?
There is someone I know that had undergone the same crisis for some time. He had been keeping himself safe in the identity of another. His smile could reflect the kind of heart he has, without many of us realizing the dilemma he was in. We're seeing his jolly side on screen, meeting the challenges of his career, making the fans happy to keep his popularity in its state of glory. His voice, though trembling with anxiety, keeps itself in tune with the harsh treatment of reality. His eyes, supposedly twinkling with delight, does not convey the true situation of his soul. There are many things our senses perceive, but only a few could understand the real individual inside.
Even though it was difficult for him to keep himself grounded, I admire the said person for finally revealing a part of him that's not common with the world... A side of him that's beyond our imagination. It may even be opposite of what we are actually frequent of seeing. I did not catch the drift the moment I saw his true self talking with some of the most understanding and open-minded people the universe has to offer. There were many pessimists; some even questioning his intentions. Some even mistook him for someone else. Some believed that his activity was cowardice.
But to me, his was a reality that I do not want to find myself in. It can be sad, actually. It can be worrisome if it had not come out in its moment of bloom. It might be a blossoming flower never to be appreciated by some who sought for its rightful season.
I am actually thankful for the individual that took my hand and lead me to a place where none could imagine to be existing. I was asked of questions. An assurance was needed to confirm if the said plane really came into being. It was a dimension that resulted as a rift of a person that's been begging to be heard and understood. His intent was clear. His goals were set. His main objective was to keep people happy and experience good vibes. To me, it was more than just a happy feeling. It was a door that lead me into completely comprehending the real him. The reasons behind his questionable actions and answers to his stirring motives were all there, seeking for the right place, the right time, the right avenue to which everything have been uncovered.
He was vulnerable, but the guise was perfect in every essence. It's a place now left desolate of the memories still etched on every footstep he tread. It was a journey so short, that you could trace the steps back and understand each of the grueling revelations he had to make. He was open to whatever that may hit him straightway. But no, he was perfectly safe in his created haven, seas away from the real world. He was even worried that none would hear him. He even questioned of his purpose when no one seemed to find his presence. But lo, there were some who came to him... wanting answers, burning their midnight oil with curiosity. And he also satiated their needs. He was tired, his hands were trembling. He was wasted, his eyes are closing. But despite all that, his heart was wanting.
He had some words to say, many of which are unheard of. It was like a traveler's tale, meant only to the ears of those who are in the same journey as he is. A few of what he said was like murky water. Others were as clear as rushing waters from the high summit. It challenged many to identify the truth, and bring out the truth in the truth. The plunge was so deep that it could leave you gasping for air. Some even felt the jitters as if they are facing life and death, right in the eye. It was both Nirvana and Omega. The statements he made was to protect the defenseless. His justifications exalted the defiled and the judged. The words he spoke were of great respect, loyalty, and honesty. But he had to hide. He would never be understood the way he intended it in the plane where only a few stayed.
When the messages were unbroken at the end of his journey, you could see the light in his eyes, the smile on his face, and the satisfaction of a yearning heart. While it meant joy to the enlightened, it was also grief to the longing. He had to say goodbye. He had to go back from whence he came. He had to cut the thread knowing that his time was up.
It was as if he vanished when Cinderella found herself running away from the castle, a few hours after hiding her face from the crowd and the prince whose heart she stole away. I do not know when he will show up again. But many will be waiting, in case he plans of continuing his journey once more. I will keep on watch, setting my sails for the wind to pass.
To you who revealed your true self, I hope you are reading this. I am not the kind of person that would praise other men for the individual they are. But you, sir, have gained my utmost respect. I pray that when the right time comes, everything will come to light. But of course, it may only be shown in full form when the other will be ready to take on your reality. She will be in awe! She will be in tears! She will come to know the inevitable crisis you have to go through so willingly.
Meant only to the few who can comprehend...
