Dreams of Ballet

The child stood before the mirror, steadying herself on her toes -

DREAMS OF BALLET

The child stood before the mirror
Steadying herself on her toes;
Twirling around and reaching down
To touch the well-worn hose.

Hand on a dresser, she strains
To lift her left leg high -
Closes her eyes and dreams
Of the ballerina she'd be and why

These childhood dreams would vanish
As life took on the reality
Of blue jeans and sweatshirts -
Dreams just not meant to be.

Yet for a little moment -
She could hear the loud cheers;
Then bowing down, she would accept
The roses, and silently shed tears.

Many years have passed and now
She looks in her daughter's room to see
A little girl before the mirror -
With dreams of the ballerina - to be.