Bittersweet: A Public Private Partnership

I.

Heroes created as heroes destroyed
In the public eye our public mugging perfected
The ordinary Joe and the Townie who hit it big
Lifted high upon shoulders only
For better angles and sight lines when
Teeth are kicked-out for spectacle and diversified ad buys
Brand maintenance no longer gift from the gods
But political necessity for sale from consultants
As the artists birth and shepherd
Their progeny to eventual self-slaughter

II.

At risk is accolade
At risk is recognition and all of
The addictive perks that pair
With putting the self all out there and such
For even mothers and lovers and children to know
The deeper and the darker truths within
But perhaps one's truly greatest output comes as a result
Of narrowed and quieted and dedicated attention
To detail and under-appreciated remnant characteristics
Of a respectful patient focus