Swan Lake

Bella Shepard



Once she danced upon the stage

At a very young and tender age

Her life devoted to her art

Create illusion be the part

 

A gentle plie that fell and rose

Her arabesque a perfect pose

A Grand Jete that suspended time

All faded from her fragile mind

 

On pointe her pirouettes perfection

As she spun in blurred reflection

In her dreams glissade so lightly

A pas de chat playful and sprightly

 

But now the ravages of time

Have touched a life that was sublime

That cruel and heartless thief of self

Has set her on that dusty shelf

 

Ballerina doll with china face

Chiffon and tulle, a bit of lace

Silk that now hangs lifelessly

Where once it swirled delightfully

 

Age has played its central part

To steal the mind and rob the heart

And though she now is wheelchair-bound

She awakens to a special sound

 

A sound that echoes in her mind

And as she listens, head inclined

In vacant eyes a feeble light

Does take hold and burns so bright

 

Strains of music she knew well

Long imprisoned within a cell

Where she spent solitary days

Now begins to brightly blaze

 

And then a withered arm extends

Then gently at the elbow bends

The legs to heaven once did climb

In her mind mark perfect time

 

And having reached the final act

The lovers perish in a pact

If separated they must be

Then death as one so it shall be

 

The music ends, the curtain falls

Deafening applause from one and all

The final bow is hers to take

The prima ballerina of Swan Lake

  • Author: Bella Shepard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: May 21st, 2022 09:38
  • Comment from author about the poem: I saw the attached video of a ballerina with Alzheimer's on YouTube and it just stole my heart. Finally got around to writing about it. Hope I do her justice.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 81
  • Users favorite of this poem: Paul Bell, spilleronsheet, L. B. Mek
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Comments +

Comments10

  • orchidee

    A sensitive write Bella.

    • Bella Shepard

      Thank you my friend, I just fell in love with her. There was a much longer video of her with actual performance and picture.

    • Aradhya

      A very perceptive, beautifully written poem, portraying the reality of life. keep on it!

      • Bella Shepard

        I greatly appreciate your kind words, thank you so much for reading and commenting.

        • Aradhya

          you deserve it Bella! great job

        • Thekkinkkattil

          A very touching piece that is what life is about

          • Bella Shepard

            Thank you so much, truly appreciate your comment. It seems like what is important in life is what we can hold onto the longest.

          • rrodriguez

            Very thoughtful of you to write this fine piece. Bravo!

            • Bella Shepard

              Thank you dear friend for reading and your kind comment.

            • Rozina

              A very beautiful tribute. So touching to watch this amazing dancer perform.

              • Bella Shepard

                Thank you Rozina for your kind words, much appreciated.

              • Goldfinch60

                Wonderful tribute Bella, music is so important when suffering like this as it was for my wife during her dementia.
                Music is so powerful in our lives.

                Andy

              • Paul Bell

                That is a sad state, yet the music brings her back to life for a while.
                I suppose stardom is fleeting and must be grabbed with both hands.

                • Bella Shepard

                  Thank you dear friend for your comment. Memories are so precious. To think that somehow we can hold onto the dearest ones gives a little hope, at least for a while.

                • spilleronsheet

                  The balance of passion and perfection
                  The connection to soul that rhythm
                  A ballet means so much
                  Imbibed in an innocent heart
                  Stays forever with us
                  Truly appreciate your lines and I am so glad you did justice to an artist
                  Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece
                  It inspires me…

                  • Bella Shepard

                    Dear poet, your comments always inspire me. Thank you most sincerely!

                  • Neville


                    What an outstanding poem you have crafted here Bella .. You have without doubt, done her, yourself and poetry proud .. I saw a clip of the amazing lady in question some time ago and distinctly recall the impact it had on me then .. as does your dedication today ......... Neville

                    • Bella Shepard

                      Thank you Neville for your kind words, I always appreciate your comments. Seeing her makes me realize how fleeting life really is, not to be taken for granted.

                    • L. B. Mek

                      'All faded from her fragile mind'

                      'The legs to heaven once did climb
                      In her mind mark perfect time

                      And having reached the final act
                      The lovers perish in a pact'

                      'In vacant eyes a feeble light'

                      !Brilliant!
                      (I am so glad I found this
                      This is curated with such care
                      Sensitive ink, imbuing empathy
                      In every syllable, lavish poetry
                      Painting a life's legacy for all
                      To witness and to offer
                      A special individual a little jolt
                      To help inspire one last pirouette)

                      • Bella Shepard

                        Dearest L.B. I can't thank you enough, for your words always refresh and inspire me anew. Just when I think the old brain is running dry, there you are with words of encouragement. You have no idea how much you are appreciated!



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