I was crying just now, watching a Paul McCartney concert from a theater in France. I was touched by the man's longevity. There he is in his sixties, performing with joy and vigor before an absolutely adoring crowd of French citizens. They know every English word of every English song, and of course they especially enjoyed "Michelle" for it's string of French lyrics. His voice did not have the smooth strength of the younger Paul, but still, he was adored from every seat in the vast auditorium. So why did I cry?

The camera panned over the audience during the finale in which the entire audience participated in singing the iconic "Hey Jude". Fresh-faced young daisies and stooped old wrinklies side by side having a helluva time singing along with Paul. So why did I cry? For one thing, I'm always moved when I see how unity can be formed among opposites. But that's not what really did it to me. I should explain that my personal art forms do not include vocalizing, although I did take a lot of lessons and got semi good at it, but that's it. My arts are more behind the scenes than in front of an audience.

I hope we all realize that for every super-star like Paul McCartney there are hundreds of thousands of artists who tried, but didn't make it. They are either doing something else to feed themselves or are squeezing a living out of low level forms of their desired art form. So why did I cry?

I cried because I'm one of the gigantic hoard of people burning with desire to lead that audience, to evoke those feelings, to touch those spirits with words and images and artistry of some kind - but didn't make it. I don't know if I didn't make it because I'm not good enough, or didn't try hard enough, or was never in the right place at the right time. The truth is, I can remember several times in my life when the doors were opened to me - but I always walked away. In each case, it seemed like a good idea at the time - but hindsight has me reconsidering now that it's too late.

Not that I've had no success. By some people's standards, I've had great success - but by my standards, I barely scratched the surface. It's better than nothing - but it's not enough for me to not cry when I see how wonderful it can be for the super-stars, and know that I'll never be one.

Learn more about this author, Rose Barrington.
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