Swan Lake

Satin shoes, for years, 
I wore upon my feet;
Bound around my
Ankles with
Expectations 
I could never meet,
On bloodied toes
That languished 
In a pirouette 
Of self-defeat;
Wearing slippers
That tried in vain
To polonaise
Your dreams.

~~~~~~

Written:  Jan 24, 2011


Author’s note:    In the story of Swan Lake, it is told
                          that the lake was formed from tears.
 

Definition of ballet terms:

Pirouette: whirl or spin - a complete turn of the body on one foot, 
                 on point or demy Pointe.

Polonaise:  Processional dance in 3/4 time with which the court ballets 
                  of the seventeenth century were opened and can be seen  
                   today in Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Bangalee Avatar
December 22, 2019 at 4:33 AM
beautifully penned
Wesley Avatar
August 12, 2011 at 10:27 PM
I'm wondering if you danced ballet. A beautiful verse on the rigors of the dance.
Richards Avatar
January 31, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Oh wow....how did I miss this one? Just wonderful.........this is classic poetry! :)
La France Avatar
January 29, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Thanks, Lanie, for commenting on my blog today, your poem is amazing and I understand because I am a contempory jazz dancer, I had to stop because the ruthless competition for a part was turning me into a person I did not like, I think you will understand that, and the hours of practise and pain to the body is harder than most can imagine~~
Pettit Avatar
January 26, 2011 at 4:05 PM
Tchaikovsky's music is not easy to dance to, but I'm sure you tried. You have written this piece well.
Jordan Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 7:08 PM
Hi Elaine, as always your poetry is breathtakingly beautiful. This will be a favorite of mine. It is one of the best I've read in a long long time. It seems to be so pure and innocent in its content - the truth is I could all but see her striving for perfection. YF4L I love you Laine God Bless, mj
Brown Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Magnificent as usual Lainie. A pleasure to read. Hope life is still treating you well. Love, Carol
Austin Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 8:37 AM
Did you see Black Swan? A very depressing picture, but great. No one has to work harder or more strenously than a ballet dancer. It takes complete devotion. Great poem. Love, Dave
Mehta Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 4:48 AM
Very informative and well expressed write. Good luck in the contest, Elaine
Peranteau Avatar
January 25, 2011 at 4:00 AM
Elaine dear poet, this is such a beautiful poem, and I thank you for adding the foot notes ! Great entry dear ! much love, james
Dietrich Avatar
January 24, 2011 at 11:11 PM
wow, the message of yours is simply amazing. For myself,I'd have written of the hours and hours I practiced guitar in my 40's. It was a fairly useless endeavor. I just don't have what it takes to "soar" with something like that. And it is no fun to be less than mediocre! Yes, I was greatly chagrinned to see that Frank was gone with all his poems. Please let me know if you contact him. LUv, Andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
January 24, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Superbly penned my friend elaine.. a lovely insight into the world of ballerinas and I took lessons when quite young and remember those bloodied toes ...all too well.. a touching entry into the contest..good luck..with luv..
Gorelick Avatar
January 24, 2011 at 6:08 PM
This is winner in my book...love it. BG
Parker Avatar
January 24, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Nice poem encapsulating the famous story! I like the way each line flows into the succeeding one.
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