The Biographer's Synopsis (Poetry)

I have pinned him like a rare butterfly
to the small blue silken square
of his brief reality
                                        This is his story

He who once flitted away his days
drawn to the light and warmth
ever-eager to put on a display

while the world watched and applauded
every act — each new scene recorded
those prizes so-much-sought-after were awarded
                                        he basked in full glory

His exotic summer grew cool towards its close
and he found himself too often in the shade
his vibrant colours faded

Thinned at last to a frail shell
the ghost of fame became his stalker
and he forgot his own true name

Now the nerveless winds have taken him
his mind blown like a brittle leaf
that flutters through the dark’s
                                unending space

He is legend but the flesh no longer hears
the roar of crowds — Fate alone now jeers
he’s out of time
                A brand new star appears
                                        to fill his place