The Last Take

This is an idea my mom gave me actually. Something she'd written in marathi when she was my age. She told me to write something on this. The premise is basically that its a maimed stunt double lying in hospital, watching on tv the actor he impersonated, win an award for that film. He's talking to someone who happens to have entered the room, pouring his story out. And 'He' is the hero of the film here btw, purposely done so, to sarcastically enhance his greatness. I haven't tried to be eloquent or very poetic, i feel it'll ruin the feel of the poem. His emotions are subject to interpretation, i'm trying to keep it as open-ended in thought as possible...

Could you turn on the television sir,

And switch to the film awards show?

My body aches, my vision is a blur,

And I can't move my limbs anymore.

Did you know sir, that it was in fact I,

That took the falls and all the burns,

As He stood and watched by the sides,

Only to face the camera when it was His turn.

A passing glance, or a mumbled thanks,

Was all the gratitude from Him I'd get,

Empty promises of rising through the ranks,

As I risked my life everyday on set.

The people loved Him in it, made Him a star,

Everybody said 'The Star' would win it all,

So tonight I'm watching Him at His finest hour,

Hoping to be acknowledged, however small.

There He is! He did indeed win it,

Ssh wait, let's see what He has to say,

His family, the people for making it a hit,

He thanks the director for making it His day.

And so I shall rot away into the background,

Yet I have found my reason to be happy,

When He looked at the camera with gratitude profound,

I want to believe He was looking at me.