Poem for You
Selected from the National Poetry Day competition Post a Poem.
To see the poems previously published on the theme
of Stars click here
Stars: Culture of Celebrity
By Brian Wakeman
Do we live in a 'culture of celebrity'
Rather than one of
'personal integrity'?
We have exemplars,
people of renown:
Entrepreneurs, medics,
academic gown,
Nobel winners,
scientific exploration,
And respected leaders of
our nation.
But there is transient
news in the media,
Entry in the 'B-list'
encyclopaedia;
'Big Brother', features
in 'Hello' magazine,
The latest winner on the
TV screen;
Narcissistic need for
notoriety,
Tabloid story in our
society.
Why do we give this
fawning attention:
To 'stars' and idols
this adulation?
Being in public view,
the competition,
Our 'Friends' on Facebook show our position.
There is a craving to be
a somebody,
(Have a meteoric
trajectory),
A longing for a 'cool'
identity,
Desire for status,
popularity.
Have we allowed the
reservoirs to dry,
Drained older virtues
without a 'why?'
Have we forgotten ideas
of 'service',
Or finding oneself
through self-sacrifice?
The dedication, of our
GB Team
Have reminded of the Olympic dream.
Page last updated: 24th February 2014