There are those who shy away from being,
However smart or talented, the leader,
Each eagerly behind the scenes, agreeing
Yet again to serve all those who need her.
Everyone is wary of such tension
As being in the spotlight must entail,
Reigning over chaos and dissension,
One who takes the blame when others fail.
For me it is impossible to think
That I for just one moment might be there --
Head of something headed for some brink,
Etched frozen in the flashbulb's frigid glare.
Rabbits tend to run -- that's what they do,
Acting well only when well hidden.
Best if you know best what's best for you --
Better off the bidder or the bidden.
I know myself, and so am satisfied
To be the one backstage, where I can hide.
© by Nicholas Gordon
To see this poem on my site, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/ther28.html. For more poems for the Chinese, or Lunar, New Year, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/ chinesenewyearpoems.html .
There Are Those Who Shy Away from Being