Behind the Performance

Was the relationship doomed?

He watched her on the stage
inundated by applause
He could feel it in his heart

Could his love ever match
that which she received
at the end of a show?

Could she feel his love
amidst the onslaught
Was his love strong enough to pierce through?

How small was his love?
In the late evening when together
in the shadow of the performance

Could she ever be the audience
to his performance,
his love, his song to her?

Was she a performer
who remained untouchable?
Did he even have a chance?

Was he competing
with her every audience?
Was he screaming into the wind?

Could he be that solace
she sought offstage
that brought her back to Earth?

Or was he the contrast
that heightened her performance?
The rope let loose to set her aloft?