Poetry Time!

So, I have decided that I would be sharing some of my poetry that I have written just to spice things up a little bit. I plan on posting one poem each day for at least a week. Sorry if this isn't something you weren't expecting, but i'm a spontaneous person after all! I write in free form metaphoric style most of the time. So here's the first one.

THE ENCORE

Alone again.
I touch up my crusting make up one last time.
Behind the curtain, I don my mask for one last performance.
The Encore was begged for.
One Final Act.
A simple slip knot my trick and trade.
So pretty.
So fragile.
Lace and lacquer hiding the scars of former high risk acts.
This time it shall be a success.
I've gathered everyone I've known and loved.
I've thanked the crowd time and again.
I won't disappoint them this time.
Not again.
Approaching the ledge, my hands are shaking.
The mask clings to the tears fresh on my face.
I don't want my act to end, yet my career has little following.
Better to retire at your pinnacle they always said.
I look at the audience, desperately wishing their applause this time.
I tie the satin cord around my throat; a necklace fit for a queen.
Before my daring stunt even begins, they are leaving.
I close my eyes for the last time and step.
The first and last flight on these broken wings.
Expecting to be embraced by sweet Oblivion; yet I'm mistaken and startled from my reverie.
I open my eyes, and find I've not fallen.
I was caught.
Your arms supporting my frame dangling from this delicate rope.
The only face standing out in a sea of fleeting figures.
The only face I could pick out clearly at every performance.
Yours.
The spotlight had fizzled and faded into growing darkness.
The only light illuminating my soul pouring from your eyes.
The soft salve of your words healing riddled wounds of the past.
The only sound breaking the unending silence are your cheers.
Your applause ringing through the stagnant silence.
Your vocal acclaims bombarding the iron curtain that has been drawn on this life's work.
And then the realization hits me.
I never needed their acceptance and applause.
I never needed their approval and fickle devotion.
Replaying the scenes in my mind, only you were a constant.
Through good and bad, you were there, unyielding.
I never needed them.
Only your smile and love.
Only You.