The Performance

The artwork that inspired this poem was "The Puppeteer" by Anastasia Zabrodina



We slip into our seats
just as the orchestra begins to clear its throat.
The hushed murmur of voices
and the fluttering programs
fall silent in anticipation.
The house lights dim.

The curtains rise,
revealing the solitary dancer,
poised,
still,
ready to spring into action in the spotlight.

The director’s cue brings motion,
breathes life into the dancer
with each melodious measure.

The dancer takes her first steps
twirling,
gliding across the stage.
Each graceful movement,
precise,
magical,
as if controlled by the music.

Each step
a story in fluid motion.

As the flutes and violins fade,
the dancer bows
eliciting a roar of appreciation
from the audience.

The puppeteer rises from behind his screen,
accepting the accolades.

So masterful,
so magical
were the dancer’s movements,
I had forgotten,
the performance was his.

© Michele Markley 2008