With one final prayer circle, energy was high. This was it. Michael's last concert. He had told the public over and over this would be his very last tour and now the world was watching. Michael stood beside me in the circle, looking each of us in the eye as he gave the final pep talk. When the short speech was over, another cued the chant. We lifted our voices as one, hooting and cheering as we collectively let out a burst of energy, stamping on the ground, twirling around, clapping our hands. The noise died down and we were ready.
I gave Michael's hand a soft squeeze of reassurance and he gave me one more smile before we took to our places. With a heavy heart, I stared up to my post in the grid and rung by rung, I ascended.
23 May 2013
Sitting behind the lighting console, I took a deep breath as I delivered the cue to fade to black, The final breath of the show was Michael's voice echoing through the speakers as the logo danced on the scrim. "It's an adventure, it's a great adventure. There's nothing to be nervous about. They just want wonderful experiences. We want to take them places that they've never been before. We want to show them talent like they've never seen before. We're putting love back into the world. To remind the world that love is important... love is important. We love each other... We're all ONE."
The house lights kicked on and everyone prepared for the premiere this evening. When all was ready, I got up from my chair and walked through the house, climbing onto the stage. In the wings, I found my goal. It was a small ladder that led to the cat walks up above. For old time's sake, I climbed to the top, sitting cross-legged on the metal platform that overlooked the stage.
Down below, painted on the stage, was a neon speckled galaxy. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, and inside the stars that never die, the cosmic wonders, the dance of life, one of the dancers had painted Michael's eyes. It was an addition to the theater that no spectator would ever see, but each of us knew was there. It was our gateway to him, our method of knowing that every night, Michael would be here watching. Looking into them now, I felt at home. It was as if I could see him again, standing there in front of me, eyes sparkling with wonder.
I knew he wasn't gone... not truly. It was a concept we had named the show after, a lesson Michael had taught to many. Like the stars in the galaxy that surrounded those eyes, he would remain infinite. Michael would never cease to exist, for he lived in each of us.
"Hi Michael." I whispered into the air, a lump forming in my throat. "One of the first days I knew you, you told me that you wished you could stop time to look at all the art in the people that came to see your show... well now I wish I could reverse time, live every moment I had with you over and over again. I wish I could feel your heart that beat out a steady drum to the rhythm of the universe. I wish I could look into those guarded eyes just one more time. I wish beyond everything that our paths hadn't parted, that the world hadn't been so cruel to you, that you didn't have to leave us quite so soon. I'll never forget you or the adventures we had. I'll never forget all the lessons I learned... and I can't wait for you to see how far this show will go." I finished, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye.
After a moment, I collected myself and stood to leave, making my way back down to the ground. As I turned towards the door, I saw a figure in the corner of my eye, standing on the stage just above those eyes. When I turned to see who it was, however, the figure vanished like dust in the wind. I smiled a little. In my heart, I knew who it had been. Michael was here.
Author's Note:
Michael Jackson One is a show by Cirque Du Soleil that holds a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show is put on by many beautiful people with talent beyond all expectations. After the attack of October 1st, 2017, the concept of the show was brought center stage to many of the performers and crew. It was a reminder of the importance of love and the power we have when we all stand together as one. I hope someday you'll get the chance to see this show yourself and witness the magic and wonder it holds. If you do, I hope you remember the eyes that sit all knowing on that stage. Remember them and he will be with you, watching over.
Thank you all for joining me on this adventure and I hope this isn't the end. I had a lot of fun writing this and hope you enjoyed reading it just as much. It's all for LOVE.
"Be as crazy as you want, as wild as you want. Just believe in yourself. Don't be shy at all, and don't give up." ~Michael Jackson
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One (A Michael Jackson Fan Fiction)
Fanfiction"It's an adventure, it's a great adventure. There's nothing to be nervous about. They just want wonderful experiences. We want to take them places that they've never been before. We want to show them talent like they've never seen before. We're putt...
