Ava Hyde

MADEMOISELLE

I warm up again like she’s running late
sniff the air for oats and chamomile
I want her to see I’ve lost weight

my knee clicks as I plié, count to eight
the jet-glued shank rocks under my heel
I warm up again like she’s running late

the mirrors lie when the wall’s not straight
I’ve been chasing an emptiness I can feel
I want her to see I’ve lost weight

rosin dust slips through costume crates
the blister on my toe continues to peel
I warm up again like she’s running late

I bend over my legs, prostrate
I see her back in the mirror like she’s real
I want her to see I’ve lost weight

the music plays, no voice narrates
the rickety stairs, never so still
I warm up again like she’s running late
I want her to see I’ve lost weight

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