Le Dance

Le Dance

Technically regimented lines of seated spectators,
Waiting, anticipating.

Curtain drawn to heighten anticipation of the unknown.
Raised for more space to allow viewing
Of what seems to always be going on
All over the stage: trained bodies, wound to a peak,
Constantly practicing particular themes,
Hoping to be glimpsed, finally, in perfection of that practiced.

Music, lights, bodies come to life as fantasy.
Those trained at waiting and watching
Meld with those waiting to be watched.
Heartbeats of both increase,
But only some sweat.

Bodies glisten, black and yellow and white,
Some wandering offstage with look of sadness
Over not enough time under hot lights and adoring eyes,
As if “now what” until next time.
Same faces return, smiling,
For bows under praise of clacking hands.

Both want more, the giving and the taking,
But curtains close and lights go out
On everything eventually.
And all involved learn value in a moment—
Portions of time catching unclear divisions
Between fantasy and life.