Ode to Performing Artists Extraordinaire

This tale is not one of just so-so or good, nor the almost grand,
but about performing artists with rare ability to make us cry,
or laugh, or chill, or thrill, change our mood upon demand.
We have our own opinions, you and I, of who has talent we can’t deny,
of the really extraordinary entertainers we find in short supply.

They’re the few in our lifetime that stand far above the rest,
those who reached the pinnacle, at least in our respective thought,
those who, living or dead, we’ll never consider second best.
Born with that extra “something” that can’t be bought or taught,
others who attempt to imitate it will only end up distraught.

These performers engage in various disciplines, some more than one,
singing and music, opera, live theater, film, and dance,
seemingly always able to deliver a performance history won’t do undone.
Saying the elite are talented is much too mild, they can put us in a trance,
sometimes with drama and tragedy, and often with romance.

Have you noticed I haven’t mentioned a single artist by name?
That’s because you’re welcome to your favorites, and me to mine,
and the performers that excite and thrill us may not be the same.
We can only be sure they’re male or female each and every time,
and white, black, brown, red or yellow by God’s own design.

Which brings up a point to address, as if you don’t already know,
exceptional performers aren’t deities, they put pants on like you and me,
they shoudn’t be idolized, but respect and admiration we properly bestow.
The inborn “something” is a good start, but not the total key,
hard work, sweat and persistence must be added for success not to flee.

Now give thought to your favorite singer, the one without compare,
the one that evokes your emotions whenever you hear their voice,
and makes you laugh or cry or perhaps boogie with extra flair,
the one with power to change your mood, almost force you to rejoice.
When that’s done, you know he or she is worthy of your choice.

How do you forget your favorite movie, and the actor in it you adore?
You don’t and can’t, whether you saw it today or even decades past.
Remember that beloved actor made you laugh, nearly falling on the floor,
and minutes later you were crying tears, wondering how long they’d last?
The actor, at the top of his class, was holding you tightly with talent vast.

Then there’s the classical ballerina, gliding along with flawless grace,
her fast allegros, arabesques and beautiful pirouettes arresting our gaze.
Considered the world’s best, the memory of seeing her one can’t replace,
an amazing performer that many will favor all the rest of their days,
and she’ll be on top for years, her dedication to the art no passing phase.

In the worlds of live theater and opera there are superstars too,
exceptional performance artists who grab our feelings and don’t let go,
put them through a wringer, but to say it’s enjoyable would be so true.
When you see those at the summit of their trade, wouldn’t you readily know,
they’ll twist all your emotions through every ebb and flow.

So let’s give praise and a “thank you” to those we can’t forget,
the best performance artists of today and those departed,
those that possess a special gift, can cheer us up when we fret.
Though they’re also human and, like us, can’t always be light hearted,
they always add zest to our life once their performances get started.

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