Piroutte

                                                       It’s time. I delicately slide the silky
                                                         pearl white tights onto my legs
                                                          I notice Goosebumps cloaking
                                                            my body like a plaster cast
                                                           binding me in so rigidly i can
                                                               barely breathe. But then
                                                             I drape my white tutu over
                                                               my shoulders and arise, 
                                                                scraping my hair into a
                                                                    taut and crisp bun.
                                                                    I place the wilting
                                                                 satin shoes on my feet
                                                              and snake the ribbons into 
                                                               an array of coils and dives.
                                                          I nestle myself among my friends
                                          timid and reluctant as we launch into our warm-ups
                                        with lunges that give a deep burn in the thigh adding to
                          the intensity of the impending and fear-provoking event. I am hoping that
                        when i enter the room the notes will hush the gnawing voices of doubt and i
                      will be at one with them: blending, intertwining: and i will be able to disregard
                         the eyes watching my every move, judging every curve, pirouette, and leap.
                   The Bell Rings and i float in on my toes and take my position at the barre amongst
                                            the serene tidal wave of music that replenishes my
                                                          MIND, BODY, HEART, AND SOUL