Everyday Masquerade
20 years in the making, hundreds,
No a thousand classes taken.
Countless hours spent spinning and leaping –
Waiting for a dream to come true.
Sleepless nights, aching body –
Exhaustion becomes a way of life.
Will it all be worth it in the end?
1-2-3, start again.
1-2-3 from the top!
5-6-7-8…
Counts displayed on the beat,
Rhythm mimicked from the top of the head to the arch of the feet.
A disgustingly beautiful passion –
Beads run down the neck, graze the arm,
Caress the chiseled back.
Again!
Toes bleed, 1 blister, 2 blister, 3 –
Every scrape and every band aid,
Eyes swell and tears flow.
It will all be worth it in the end.
Every sequin, every bobby pin,
Dollar spent and sacrifice made –
Must be worth it in the end.
1-2, plié, 3 jump, 4 –
Land ever so softly, a hummingbird’s lightest tough.
The day has come.
My sisters and I glide across the floor;
We breathe as one, we move as one.
One last breath.
The piano chimes, the rhythm sways and hits –
These moments pass quicker than anticipated.
Strike the final pose,
Now walk, walk, walk…
Leave the floor, tears swelling in my eyes once again –
Emotion engulfs every thought like a tidal wave.
The most sincere emotion.
My sisters at my side
It was all worth it in the end.