February 16th
My first ballet recital—
I was six years old
And teeming with excitement.
My blonde ringlets
Smoothed back into a
Perfect ballerina bun,
And my pink chiffon
Skirt, printed with
Small lilac flowers
Tied around my waist.
The stage was calling me,
Beckoning me to pirouette,
Plié, and pique to
My heart’s content.
I yearned to bathe
In the warmth
Cast by the stage lights
The same lights
That cast a shadow
On my dimple,
Formed by
My ever-widening smile.
He was there.
He kept his promise.
He made it just in time,
To see his little girl
Transform into his
Little ballerina.

11/11/2013