Before I was famous
I could say what I wanted with impunity.
I could speak my thoughts about anyone
or anything
Without considering repercussions
because there would never be any.
Nobody worried about my opinions
because nobody cared about my opinions
because nobody knew who the hell I was.

Before I was famous
I never had to pretend I knew someone.
I recognized all the people
who came up to me
and strangers couldn’t read articles about me
to recite details from my past
as if they shared it.
Anyone who seemed to know me
actually knew me.
In real life
with no exceptions.

Before I was famous
I could maintain anonymity anywhere
but at my parents’ house.
No disguises were necessary.
No throngs surrounded me.
Nobody complimented me
to gain my favor.

Before I was famous
what friends I had were true
and devoted
and has no ulterior motives
for my friendship.

Things were simpler
before I was famous
and easier
and I pray daily
to never return to them.