Assoluta

I am not a fan of classical ballet.

But when they brought slowly down center-stage
(one person on each side), prima ballerina assoluta,
shuffling her feet beneath an angular body,
carrying 90 years of jumps and choreographies,

and the full house sent towards her wave upon
wave of standing ovation, and hollered their love
every time the curtain attempted to fall, and we all
stood there (she tottering lightly), no one wanting to leave --

I had serious second thoughts.


(after the performance of "Giselle" by the Cuban National Ballet, choreographed by Alicia Alonso)