to my ballerina
May 4, 2013 § 5 Comments
This morning you lingered in the margin of the dance studio, watching the performance of preparation among students gathering for class pictures. I marveled at the quiet, unassuming strength your casual posture belied. Each week you navigate a path into a setting that once was shadowed by the unkindness of an uncompassionate instructor.
Years have passed since the unfortunate lesson that invited harm. I honored your departure from dance, some days worried another had robbed you of a source of joy. I set aside memories of your eagerness to sit among a circle of dancers and allowed you space to chase new dreams. Still, I watched the scuffle of your feet and saw a love tucked safely to yourself.
This year I met your request to revisit dance with the humble hope to offer you a new experience to challenge an old memory. I wished you friendship in the point of tiny toes, the encouragement of a kind instructor, and the exercise of embracing joy. As we near the end-of-year recital, I am holding tightly to the smile that chases new friends and the sense of belonging you found stretched across Thursday evenings this school year.
Today I looked past the elegant costume and mature sweep of your carefully orchestrated bun to the little girl who once soared in wide circles across an empty studio. Pieces of a lifetime overlapping, an old beginning and a new ending in a never-ending celebration of a small spirit who guides me with her joy.
scribblechic 
As adults we must bare the responsibility for the words that we choose to use, aware that even thoughtless, casual remarks, throwaway comments even, have the potential to have such a destructive effect.
Well done to your daughter for showing the resilience and courage to return to something that she loves.
Thank you! I am often humbled by my children’s strength and find myself learning as much from their choices as I endeavor to teach by my example.
Responsibility for the words we use, accidental or intentional. I couldn’t agree more. Well said.
tiny dancer starts
anew, lessons–this time good
let joy live again
Haiku! A whimsical response to a celebration of life and art. Thank you.
My pleasure!