Who Was the Man in the Mirror?

How can the death of Michael Jackson become such a focus for so many? So many others have died having lived much more noblely and were more worthy of our interest and sympathy. Farrah Fawcett, for one, fought all the way out. Her celebrity pales in comparison to MJs. His courage pales in light of hers. Michael just "eased on" down a ruinous road. So why all the uproar about Michael?

Was it that he dazzled— really dazzled — us as a performing artist like no one else ever did?

Was it that he was such a freak show — especially for the past 25 years?

Did his life peak too early in 1983 with the release of the music video “Thriller?”

Was the low point reached during the trial for child molestration?

Was it that we could see ourselves in his brilliance?

Or did we recognize his failures all too well?

Was he a hollow man in the end ?

Has he lived in a drug-dream all his life?

Did he leave here with unfulfilled dreams?

Did his life intentionally parallel that of Elvis – the King of Rock and Roll? Even to go as far as to marry Elvis' daughter?

Was he anorexic? Did he really have a skin disease? Was he in chronic pain all the time?

Does anyone really pity the Jackson family? Does Michael, himself, deserve our pity?

Did Michael ever really grow up?

What did Michael see in the mirror? What did he see?

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change