USA

Dancer

In her mind she dances
twirling lightly round the ballet stage.
Light of step with nimble feet
she leaps, and bobs with outstretched arms.
On her toes, a fragile doll in lace and tulle,
with crown on head, a dervish whirling
quickly to the music only she can hear.

Her body moves and bends
contracting smooth as spineless
snake, in movements graceful
like a feline's stealthy hunting
to the tune of oboes.

She's the star, the dying swan;
a sugared fairy lithe and supple.
Standing for applause, and bowing,
roses held in endless dozens.

Now her dreaming ends, as someone
speaks to her and breaks the spell.
She slowly rises, finds her cane,
and limps along the silent halls.

© All Copyright, Rose Morales.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.