She places her hand upon the barre,

lithe muscles and sharp mind reviewing her senior repertoire.

Her teacher says she’ll go far.

A stretch of powder pink satin scratches her skin

and a bandage has started to peel from her shin.

Her teacher says she’ll go far.

Though broken toes are taped together, unyielding to a pill,

she stands in pointe in a too soft box, unwavering until

she places her hand upon the barre.

First position. Second. Demi plie, grand.

A smile to cover a sharp inhale (unplanned).

Her teacher says she’ll go far.

An hour stretches into two and then three,

all while a white-hot pain needles her knee.

She places her hand upon the barre.

The college showcase is soon, and she’s a falling star,

but her defiant, stubborn nature refuses to agree.

She places her hand upon the barre.

Her teacher says she’ll go far.