The throbbing pain only makes me dance harder.
The bruises show my dedication.
The blood blisters show concentration— balance is key.

My eyes watching my body in the mirror for mistakes.
Breathe and sweat through the pain.
Focus on the reflection in front of you.

The fear of your teacher’s eyes never leaving your body soon vanishes through the music.
The pointe of your shoe becomes your balance, your best friend—or your worst enemy.
The ache never goes away but your feet become immune to the abuse.

My eyes watching my body in the mirror for mistakes.
Bloody toenails and sore calluses become evident.
Becomes harder to stay focused.

Yet,
The dancing continues
and I disobey my pain from my bruises and blisters to prove—Devotion.