the abstract dance

the room is forbiddingly bare
mirrored walls,
vacant stare.

melody's sweet lullaby,
pink satin feet
sing their joy.

stand on tiptoe,
with arms above,
and music below.

defeat the walls' mocking stare,
twirl at last,
toes sing the dance.

fall on your toes,
jump to your feet,
crush the rose.

hold the cloth between your hands,
time's yellow glare,
bleached in triumphant tears-
break the vacant stare.

*from creative writing workshop, summer '02