CIRCUS GIRL

practice
is freedom
and grace
and knowledge
deep and true
so that i know my place
exactly --
light as a wren,
balanced here
and later
on shoulders
sturdy as trees
or on hands of wire and hard wood,
an inflexible stage
for a spider's dance
or a one armed
handstand
or a back flip finale --
me, airborne,
spinning,
light as dust
and then,
just as quick,
solid on the ground

and the crowd
will be amazed