What's it all about, Spice Girls? You taught us how Spice Girl Power is the Power of Five. And we believed you. But how -- after we clutched our hard-won tickets to our hearts and prayed July 1st would come early -- how could you go and throw us that Ginger-colored curveball?

We're not going to sugarcoat it: we were worried. We didn't want to see the pain of our collective loss played out on-stage. Sure, we showed a brave face to family and friends, but inside we were still hurting, hoping you would show us that Spice Girl Power is the Power of Four. Deep down, though, we doubted. Our faith faltered. We couldn't find the strength to really, truly believe.

But, you eternally-suprising Spice Girls, you did it. For two hours -- save that half-hour intermission, during which we braved the epic lines to the bathrooms and nearly clawed each others' eyes out for snack-bar nachos and Spice Girl ID bracelets -- yes, for those two hours you showed us the true, honest-to-Spice, undeniable Power of Four. Even though Ginger still haunted the proceedings, her face gracing the tour merchandise and flitting past on the video screen behind you, we somehow found it easy to forget her.

You worked hard for our love, and you got it. With those ten sets of costumes, you gave us everything we expected, and more. Sporty, we loved you with your long red fake ponytail and gorgeous gold eyeshadow; Scary, in your wild animal prints -- oh, no matter what awful rumors we hear, we forgive you everything! Baby, how we coveted your glittery sea-green platforms and fake fur and pigtails . . . and how we screamed every time your enormous smiling face appeared on the video screen! And Posh, dear Posh, you surprised us all. You looked so fresh and relaxed in your muted makeup and your short new 'do, and your shiny little outfits made us swoon.

But there's so much more to you than mere costumes and fake fur and . You performed all our favorites: "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "Too Much." "Stop" and "Say You'll Be There." And just when we thought you couldn't shock us anymore, you unpredictable sprites, you went ahead and did your Christine Keeler-inspired "I'm wearing nothing but a wing-back chair" bit during "Naked." It was like Cabaret ... without all those crazy German phrases! Unsuitable for the thousands of screaming under-thirteens? Perhaps, but the parental units among us didn't seem to mind a bit. And it certainly was nowhere near as shocking as the colossal red, white, and blue Corporate Logo splashed majestically across the video screens during your Sugary-Carbonated-Soda Anthem, "Move Over" . . . Oh, but we digress!

See what you do to us, Spice Girls? All meaning and resonance are overwhelmed when we're finally in your presence. Normal human interactions -- communicating with one another, for instance -- become mystical acts of will. Remember when Sporty told us how she thought we were going to be your best audience ever? Forgive us for not responding appropriately (i.e., with torrential, concrete-shattering shrieks); it's just that we had to hush-up the moment you addressed us. We didn't want to miss a word. And did you notice how we all sat -- sat! -- transfixed for half the show? We couldn't move, not until Sporty and Scary demanded we get up and dance during their cover duet of "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves." And then we did, gladly. After you gave us that genius one-two punch of "Wannabe" and "Spice Up Your Life," you left us drained and danced-out. But still, you relentless Spice Girls, you kept coming. "Mama," and "Viva Forever," and "Never Give Up On the Good Times," and a rousing "We Are Family." And then, you tech-savvy Spice Girls, you were off in your computer-animated Spiceship, leaving us to face your absence with only our memories. And our precious merch.

Making our way home, proudly brandishing our programs, sharing with the other faithful our Mona Lisa smiles, we could only wish you would come back soon. Say you'll be there, Spice Girls. You know we'll be there for you.