I sprint into the heavy black curtains

Draping down from the high ceilings.

I cannot notice the frigid floor beneath my feet,

I have no time to pay attention to that.

Once again it’s my turn

For another costume change.

I watch through the slits in the fabric,

That let in the dazzling gleam of the stage lights.

Two more dances to go,

Before I am illuminated.

Immediately, once the exhausted performers make their way

Into the dressing rooms.

It is now our moment.

We step forward

to a now lifeless crowd.

They cannot see us, and we cannot see them.

Before I can conceptualize what I need to do,

The dance has already begun.

My partner places a hand on the small of my back,

Our legs intertwined while we move from one end of the stage

To the other.

One, and, two, and, three, and four,

We keep the cadence as if we were a metronome

Up until the bow.

Our presence does not leave until the lights fade

Once more.

I sprint into the heavy black curtains

Draping down from the high ceilings.

Once again it’s time for another costume change.