The Life Of A Dancer

• Pypah Reeves, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2021

shoes tapping on the floor
audience watches in awe
lights shining bright on my face
my costume is made of white lace

happy as a kid Christmas day
these nerves will not get in my way
I know I have something to prove
but then, I make the wrong move

I hear my teacher counting
yelling, screaming, SHOUTING!
STRAIGHTEN YOUR LEGS!
I need to rest, my body begs

the mirror looks back at me
as I finish my final turn
my arms ache, my legs burn
should I be concerned?