fingers wrap around calloused toes
arms pulling against tight tendons
bruised knees meet a cool brow
breathe in, breathe out
slow plié down, deliberate rise up
chin raised, eyes ahead
weight balancing on the balls of the feet
shoulders relaxed but muscles tense
will it to look effortless
breathe in, breathe out
sounds crowd the room, air waiting for a reason to move
five breath in, pointed toes
six breathe out, clean lines
seven breathe in, soft fingers
eight breathe out, strong legs
go
blank, no more thoughts, only movement
inner rhythm takes over
feet glide across dusty floors
technique memorized by the body, forgotten by the mind
remember to breathe
breathe in
breath out
sounds stop, air swirls
chest heaves, frustration blooms in the spaces between
toes need more strength, lines could be cleaner
it didn’t look effortless
For Ms. Lynn