Failed Solo Efforts
Heather has a Bachelor's Degree in English from Moravian College and has been freelance writing for more than 13 years.
Carefully cultivate image that took decades to design
Or a lifetime to create and finetune to make sure it lasted
Putting up enough invisible barriers that no intruder
Could ever break through without serious damage occurring
Often wondered when the real person began and the fantasy ended
Time to boil down the difference between fact and crafted fiction
That a hungry line of press hyenas would lap up
Any garbage fed to them as a joke or act of malice
Pictured on the front pages at last few remaining news stands
A talented lead singer of an iconic rock band
Major draw for concertgoers with super active dance moves
Very physically fit for someone advantaged in age
An archetype that was always tied to the group
That gave them millions of fans and dollars to their names
Wondered what it would be like to separate from friends
That started off in a small garage with nothing in their pockets
Except a dream for stardom and groupies flooding their thoughts
Polluted by blinding lights and ambitions beyond humble beginnings
Seduced by one too many ulterior motive laced partners
Fascinated by fast talking record executives greasing the wheels
To lure them away from their legendary group
Finding another cash cow with less barriers to block their path
Cutting out four other middlemen to tap the supposed source of success
Found an initial splash of solo glory that turned out very different
Front and center in the media circus without back-up
No one else to blame for declining sales and interest
Feuds started with fellow band member and writing partner
Due to some long simmering tensions ratcheted up
With the help of reporters looking to grace front covers
Creating drama where there might not have been
Took years to come to a détente, but it happened regardless
Sure, youthful relations gave way to a newer and longer lasting normal
Realized that it was more beneficial to experience some disappointment
In order to realize what was important and more vital
To legacy of working with friends that became a different type of family
Than striking out in murkier waters.