Rite of Spring

(first second third fourth fifth) Ragged nails gripped the barre, stiff positions shifting- canvas toes with a cactus-sharp pointe. (spot. turn.) Circles whipping like leather. (plié. leap and-) Composed mask cracking like a ceramic doll- rosy cheeks, glassy eyes awakened as gravity pulled hair to meet hardwood, head vibrating like sound waves. Green tinted hollow gaze traced a weakened heap of bone. From the ash, the emaciated phoenix rose, fires in its eyes as though shackles kept their release. Pink satin marbled red, rigid box blistering; breaking split flesh as weak ankles straightened and, like the spring, began. (first second third fourth fifth)