The Theatre of Life
Was your role a good part, or was the script just a big mistake?
Did the audience applaud, or did they laugh until their bellies did ache?
Were your critics your enemies, or perhaps you found a friend,
Unlike those in the wings who could not comprehend?
Were you considered unremarkable for most of your time?
Did you play in tune or disturb life’s peculiar rhyme?
Or, perhaps you were one of those who wanted to please
The people who liked pointing out your faults and dissimilarities?
Do you remember when you were young and could run through a wall?
Now you need someone with you to make sure you don’t fall.
If you were offered another role which one would you choose?
Would it be the staring part, or do you think you’d have too much to lose
Is the final curtain about to close on your life down here?
Is there a queue even further below of people waiting for you to appear?
Why did you not believe in Heaven and take the path to the Pearly Gates above?
Would that choice have been easier if you had known what was true love?
What will you say of life when your name is being called?
Will you shout and scream as though you’re shocked and appalled?
Or will you say to death as you look him straight in the eye,
‘Take the tears from all those I met, let there be no one left to cry!’
© 2023 Daniel Kemp All rights reserved
About Daniel Kemp
At the age of seventy-six, Daniel Kemp has started his second year of studying the science of Psychology at the Open University. He is a member of The Society of Authors and also a bestselling writer. However, in early September 2025, he was diagnosed with cancer. He is now in palliative care at home, being looked after by his ex-wife. When he was writing his novels, he enjoyed writing stories that appealed to those who liked challenging themselves to solve mysteries that were set out before their eyes, but they couldn't.
His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic incident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden.
Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for six years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter Publishing Company which has added an edition titled The Heirs And Descendants Collection, which holds all four books of that series, alongside an edition titled The Lies And Consequences Collection which contains all four volumes of that series.
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed executive of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
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Daniel Kemp 
I appreciate the way you considered life’s options and the certainty of death. Deep reflection on life and death is sparked by the questions put forth. The verses have more emotional depth with the need to comprehend true love and how it affects the course of one’s life.
The stirring depiction of facing death head-on with compassion and courage echoes the desire to leave a lasting legacy of happiness and solace for those left behind.
A thoughtful and exquisitely written poem on the great riddles of existence Daniel.
What an exquisite comment. I sincerely thank you for your kind words, Patricia.
Your work, Daniel. 🙂
Great pleasure.
🙂
Hi Danny, I like this poem a great deal. I reflected on each thought posed. I never really think about how I fit into this world. It’s never been a comfortable fit, I’ve always been a square peg in a round hole, but it’s never bothered me and I think it’s unlikely it ever will. I am glad about that. I think my energies and interests have always lain outside of myself with my hobbies, my family, and my charity work. I try not to think about other people passing on. I believe in giving them time and love now. It is too late after death to do anything for the person so I try to do everything before if that makes any sense. One day, I hope to pass on my collections and passions to someone else who will love them, but even if there isn’t anyone, it won’t matter. They make me happy.
It makes perfect sense to give now to people who are alive and not wait until they’re dead. I discovered a long time ago that it was a pointless exercise trying to please everyone. As you go through life you find those who are true friends stay with you, and those that don’t then it’s their loss.
Spot on, Danny 💞