The Repertoire of a Dancer's Feet

The rise lights a flame in your heart

It guides the way, spurs you on

Energy pulses through your feet into your toes

Feet point and close           

Releves burn, the flame builds higher

And lets your feet take over

The position released, the satin shoe

Bends daintily, without leaving a clue          

Poses extend, the leg lifts

Fingers grip the way

A tired foot stumbles, crumples

The crisp ribbons lie rumpled           

The only way is forward, upward, skyward

Bend stretch rise

Bend stretch rise

A weary dancer sighs           

The battered shoe

Strides through the battlefield

The canvas stained, the inking blurred

Looking on listlessly, just waiting to be heard