Dame of the Ballet
Your bones have suffered more than thought
Yet courage falters not in you
And smiles to us you've bravely brought
As many gems from your legs grew
As Beethoven lost his precious ears
So you have lost your diamond thighs
To innocent young dancing jewels
And filled with tears their mother's eyes
I will revere you as the queen
Of these pure fairy girls
Practicing for hours unseen
Their pirouettes and swirls
We know that you have suffered
Emotions cruel spite
Yet you have faced quite undeterred
All men's unholy might
With woman's trustful fealty
And passions burning hard
You're wrapped your body painfully
Around a seering sword
Romantic costumes grace your breast
All delicately sewn
Shimmering finely petals dressed
In leaps and turns you've flown
If I one day could keenly mould
Your sculpture sure and true
Then I would value more than gold
What nascent love can do
Richard Field
2002
