Rock Star Human

Just learned recently that the rhythm guitarist for one of my favorite bands is in treatment for addiction. I've loved this band for over 10 years now, and this really hit me hard for whatever reason.

Rock Star Human

Playing rock god-style

night after night,

sneer curled in your lip

though your face looks at peace.

Sweat pours down as you hit

power chord after power cord

synchronized with the six other men on stage.

The show ends,

house lights come up in the venue,

adoring fans wait

for a handshake, autograph, or photo.

You slip off to backstage.

Back in your private room

You feel less like a legend

and increasing more human each night.

Open a bottle, take a swig,

the alcohol warms your throat

and numbs everything else.

Others watch you closely

as you slip further away.

Family, friends, fans

all see you in unwashed holey clothes.

You joke about being told that

‘you are letting yourself slip away.’

The time finally comes

when those who love you,

who have seen you grow

from a skiny skinhead teenager

into a man,

can’t watch your descent any longer.

They gather around you

and plead for you to truly look at yourself

and see that you need help.

Onstage your band plays on

without you.

Every night when your frontman tells the audience

why your aren’t by his side right now

we can feel the love and concern

and how much they can’t wait for you to be better again.

So many people root for you,

knowing the struggle personally

or remembering how addiction played out in their lives.

We can’t wait to see you again,

playing rock god style with your band,

stronger than when you left us for a short while.

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