A Dancer's Tale

by Gwyn Henry

She continued to dance 
past the prime 
the world had appointed 
 

& as her life ran out 
she pointed her toes 
while what was in her heart

grew larger

her 
feet articulate as hands
hands fluent as poems 
 

& she did not cling 
as it all left her 
(arms & legs

as always 
clad in black)

but entered the floor

which was made of trees

she

careful as music 
thoughtful as wood

stood before the mirror 
& lifted her arms

as she grew old