Anna Pavlova (The Dying Swan)

• Stephanie Boccanfuso, Grade 9, St Ursula's College
• Poetry
• 2014

Excellence Award in the 'Write As Rain 2014' competition

In 1905, the talented ballerina, Anna Pavlova performed The Dying Swan,
With her hair as black as the night sky and lips as red as a rose.
The swan gracefully lifted her head high as the spotlight shone,
Her white, majestic costume looked like a masterpiece up close,
Music was ever so romantic and sweet as the Cello and Piano sang,
Both their harmonies made heaven as the swan lifted her arms.
She spun around softly and slowly fell with the lightest bang.
Flapping her arms like a dying swan, she looked up and saw her palms,
As she looked towards the greyish ground, she saw her reflection,
Just like a dying swan seeing its beautiful body as it's about to die.
A tear welled in her big, glorious eye and trickled down her chin,
It reminded her of the crystal, blue lake of her childhood as she went by.
Her fate was sure of tragedy, for her world was ending very gradually,
Her feet didn't make a sound, as she danced with perfect posture,
She looked over the audience, blowing kisses so humbly,
Everything fell silent as the swan died on the stage; its last stance, but not Anna's final closure.