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
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Author:
Bella Shepard (Pseudonym) (
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
Offline)
Comments10
A sensitive write Bella.
Thank you my friend, I just fell in love with her. There was a much longer video of her with actual performance and picture.
A very perceptive, beautifully written poem, portraying the reality of life. keep on it!
I greatly appreciate your kind words, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
you deserve it Bella! great job
A very touching piece that is what life is about
Thank you so much, truly appreciate your comment. It seems like what is important in life is what we can hold onto the longest.
Very thoughtful of you to write this fine piece. Bravo!
Thank you dear friend for reading and your kind comment.
A very beautiful tribute. So touching to watch this amazing dancer perform.
Thank you Rozina for your kind words, much appreciated.
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
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.
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.
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…
Dear poet, your comments always inspire me. Thank you most sincerely!
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
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.
'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)
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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