In the Emotionary, this poem is filed under the emotion: Anxiety.

Her life is interlaced with day to night rehearsals 

Sore ankles and elbows soothed by her eagerness

Dedication patched the streaks on her wounded feet

Her mother’s voice quelled her squealing doubts

She began to answer each Never with a calm smile

Now, her heart beats with the symphony of violins and clarinets

Streams of silver silk and tulle cascade on the proscenium

Spotlights imbue it with pastel purple and blue

Her glittering eyes saunter over the crowded seats 

She holds her chin proud like the ivory maiden on the lake 

Wings curl as she glides effortlessly across the stage

She floats on the air, a butterfly skimming the meadow

Descends like a leaf swaying with the autumn breeze

She pirouettes centerstage, a spinning top of a kaleidoscope 

Embraced by flames blazing out of her chest 

Fireworks escape through every flick of her fingertips

Each pointe leaves a trail of vermillion sparks

She stands on one leg against the hardwood floor

On the last note, she holds her breath in bliss 

Other leg raises behind, golden spotlight focuses on her

Her delicate arms gesture upward as all stand to applaud her

About the Author

Marielle Innah Valmores is an aspiring screenwriter and director. Born in the Philippines, she moved to Vancouver to take up creative writing. Her written pieces explore societal issues, female empowerment, culture, and identity.