Snooping my neck around the
velvety maroon curtain, I meticulously
swipe my fingers along the edge;
my eyes receive a half images
of the strangers in the audience.

A slow deep inhale releases warm air
from my puckered cheeks.
I hurriedly bend over,
surrendering another strong gust of air.

The fibers and stitches of muscles
lengthen and pull at the seams.
Standing, swaying my neck from side to side;
hearing the chatter of young girls around me

The hissing of their shoes gliding
across the dusty floor;
thier toes dipped in vibrant colors
painting an image across the stage.

The smell of hairspray, sweat and
apprehension consumes the air.
My tongue is an arid desert,
my lips are slippery with lipstick and gloss.

A million tiny insects running across my hot skin,
I shake them off while softly
speaking kind words.

Pale skin glows and shimmers,
eyes dart to dark eclipse
High above the murmurs and whispers,
lifting from the base of my spine;

Hips sway and caress a circular motion
eyes still fixated upon
unidentified shadows.
The steamy lights beaming down before me,
I embody grace when entering
my anticipated home.