En Pointe

I’m filled with excitement as I leap through the air,
The wind fills my ears and blows back my hair.
The ribbons on my pointe shoes are twisted tight,
To make sure they don’t fall off as I dance through the night.

As I rise up onto my toes, it aches inside,
But I’ve worked so hard to be here, I cannot afford to hide.
One foot in front of the other, I waltz gracefully around the room,
As my teacher gives advice to me, I stop, then unwillingly resume.

I jump from one place to another, my eyes sparkling with delight,
Rising up tall, I can see things from a great height.
Strong glue holds the shoes together for only so long,
Soon, I’m afraid they won’t be as strong.

They’re hard but also soft, painful yet easy,
As I dance around the room my feet ever busy.
I never want to disappoint,
I bend my knees and jump to go en pointe.