Holy Moly
Hollywood
The walks of many famous Hollywood stars
Reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight
But they while their audience slept
Were toiling upwards through sleepless nights
We know not what they had to endure
Behind the glitz and glamor
The pain and agony on the road to success
The misery which they had to swallow
Their pride grounded in the dust
But to us, looking on
We only see the exterior of their fabulous-ness
But what a picture they pose for our enjoyment
And we wonder, was it worth it?
Only they can answer that question
Yet each and every one of us would sell our souls
For just one day, one moment in their shoes
Hmmm! Fame, glory and adoration
What would we not do for it
Within reason...OR NOT!
................................................
Poem
The heights of great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight
But they, while their companions slept
Were toiling upwards through the night.
Attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It emphasizes that greatness and success are achieved through persistent effort and dedication, not by luck or overnight success. (Maybe, life is filled with miracles).
About the Creator
Antoni De'Leon
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. (Helen Keller).
Tiffany, Dhar, JBaz, Rommie, Grz, Paul, Mike, Sid, NA, Michelle L, Caitlin, Sarah P. List unfinished.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Antoni De'Leon and writers in Poets and other communities.
Getting Warm
welcome The World Warmth To Feelings welcome the world's warmth to feelings Toasty fire on the wood stove with a loved one welcome the world's warmth to feelings Electric or super warm blanket with hot chocolate welcome the world's warmth to feelings Laying in a warm bed watching favorite movie welcome the world's warmth to feelings sweet talk or loving conversation definitely warm the soul welcome the world's warmth to feelings Nothing like a hot shower relax muscles and warms you up welcome the world's warmth to feelings Some soup or chili is the ticket welcome the world's warmth to feelings If you have to be outside layer it up Getting warm is the feeling of worlds gift and feeling the love from others By: Kelly Vedder
By Kelly Vedder5 days ago in Poets
Getting Serious About Comedy (Part I)
If I were asked to remark on my life and the childhood that paved some road leading me to this point, I would have to say something about all the funny people who surrounded me for the last 26,872 days (and counting). Somewhere along that road, I became a big fan of laughter and the comedy that spawns it – and, I mean not only my own laughter, but the laughter of others, some of which I have actually been responsible for inducing.
By John Oliver Smith5 days ago in Humor
Comments (18)
Interesting piece! Liked these lines particularly Antoni, “Were toiling upwards through sleepless nights, We know not what they had to endure”. Indeed! But, I would not want fame like that for me personally. Too many eyes and scrutiny! I’ve had enough if that in my regular life lol! 😅😂
Wow, nice to see you under a top story!
So very true. Congratulations on the Top Story!
How true! Great work 🙏 congratulations 🎉👏
-greatness and success are achieved through persistent effort and dedication, not by luck or overnight success.- Words of wisdom. Congrats on your TS, Antoni!!!
I appreciated this chance to think about what I would do for success, now and when I was much younger. Good food for thought from a wonderfully written piece :)
I’m not going to lie. Even though that’s what they all say until they do lie. I digress. I had to say ‘I’m married, I’m married’ through the whole video. What have you done Antoni, can’t be having me out here looking bad. Truth be told, it wasn’t that much of a tease, though they are all attractive. I want both Jennifer Lawrence and Angelina Jolie dress but I know I must struggle to the top, first, it’s not going to happen overnight like you said. I like the transition from this line ‘ Their pride grounded in the dust’ into the next: ‘But to us, looking on’ it gave a moment of pause, as well as rhyme, for us to think. Nice! ‘Toiling upwards, through the night’ I think that line by Henry Wadsworth, will stick with me. Congratulations on your top story Antoni 🎊🎉🎊👌🏽
Your poem beautifully captures the hidden struggles behind Hollywood’s glittering facade—reminding us that fame is often paved with unseen sacrifices. The reference to Longfellow’s timeless verse ties it all together, underscoring that true success demands relentless effort, not just luck. A poignant reflection on the price of dreams!
Yes, I think we assume these people are "found" but I think you're right - they've had their own struggle.
nice
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Beautiful poem, that highlight the hardship of success. Congratulations on top story.
How true this is, you have pointed out their success was not overnight and many suffered along the way. yet we see only the glory. Congratulaions
It's not the toil that would get to me, it's the further expectations of everyone else.
Everything in life comes with a price. And everything has it's pros and cons. Loved your poem!
This was beautifully written Antoni! I'll pass on Hollyweird and all that comes with it! Lol
We all just need to do what we need to do to be happy and hopefully satisfied one way or another. Good job.
Keanu and Will. Love the lineup. Love the message in the poem.