The Show (Malaina White - New Iberia, LA)

lights hit the sequins

dazzling

spinning into air

dizzying

distracting your eyes

the dancer

romances the music

until it is pliable

and bends

to her rhythms

the ringleader booms

bantering cadence

demanding

your attention

the jester’s laugh

punctuates the pause

between jokes

and japes

the aerialist dangles

suspended on breath

as she reaches

for hope

the lion tamer

cracks the whip

seeking respect

to replace fear

the audience roars

to their feet

the stands rumbling

beneath them

hungry

i leave the show

fatigued

worn

depleted

sleep doesn’t come

as my brain spirals

downward

into the anxious waters

of the aftermath

i am the show

it is the mask worn

when i am seen

by others outside

my walls

it is the cover story

of the little girl

who learned

to avoid the hurt

you performed

a stellar act

and always left them

wanting more

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