The midday sun beams into the room, reflecting off the multicoloured hanging glass pieces arranged in my window. Tiptoeing and dancing gracefully across the walls and floor; my very own private performance.

I danced, before. Before my skin began to grey and my bones began to ache. Before my muscles wasted and I could move no more. I danced.

Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky – their songs humming through my mind as the light plays before me. An aquamarine glissade over here, a bright ruby sauté over there – oh and a lovely emerald pirouette! Such shimmering radiance.

I dance still, in the light.

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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    2 years ago

    Captures the exquisite beauty of color and light in a heart-lifting tale of ageing. 

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Emily, this is so beautifully written. You’ve captured the essence of ageing so well, the remembrance of things you love, but can no longer do. Using the dancing light from the crystals is such a perfect comparison. Loved it.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    How vividly you have described the dance of the coloured glass Emily. And how sad that age sometimes prevents us from doing what we love most. I too loved the comparison in your story. Beautifully written.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    Reply to  Emily O'Leary
    2 years ago

    I miss those days ?

    Juma
    Juma(@juma)
    2 years ago

    This is a lovely story, Emily. I keep “dancing” bits of colored glass dangling in my windows, like your protagonist. In the late afternoon of sunny days, there are rainbows all over the ceiling and walls. Thanks for creating such beauty for us to read and remember.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Hello, Emily. Your story is so lovely and vivid in my mind, Emily. You have really shown over time the difference in life as we get older that sometimes aging prevents us from doing the things we used to want to do. The use of the dancing light is very effective. I love it too. Good job. 

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Emily O'Leary
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Emily.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    2 years ago

    Emily, this is such a touching story. It makes me appreciate and try and understand elderly people better. I often think of how much wisdom and experience they have that they maybe can share no more due to weakness or their memories fading. This was a beautiful story.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    A very well made parallel between different aspects of dancing. I love your descriptions of the old, aching body and the memories of dancing, with the expressions of movements and the names of musicians. Very well done.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    2 years ago

    I loved it Emily! Truly inspired! The way you exposed the fear of aging, coupled with the joy of something beautiful like music and dancing is so poignant!

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    2 years ago

    Very beautiful story, Emily. I could imagine every moment, was right there with the aging dancer. I especially like the last line, “I dance still, in the light.” A loving tribute to the joys of youth but also the ongoing wonders of becoming an elder.

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    Reply to  Emily O'Leary
    2 years ago

    I couldn’t agree more, Emily. One thing I try to do is to really notice all the little things that I take for granted now, but someday will miss. I hope to store up these memories for when I am no longer able to physically do them. If we’re lucky, our minds can remain supple and strong as our bodies become less so.

    Susan Dawson
    Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
    2 years ago

    I love the idea of the sunlight interacting with the hanging display. I wonder if this sort of stimulus is used enough in the care industry.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    2 years ago

    Emily, this story is so lovely and touching. It indeed captures the aftermath of ageing. Well done!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations on your very well deserved Public Vote win Emily. This story was truly beautiful, stirring many emotions 🙂

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations on your win, Emily.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Emily O'Leary
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, and thank you so much.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    A well deserved win Emily, such a beautiful story.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    2 years ago

    Fantastic story, Emily. The use of color and light in this story is beautiful. Congratulations on the win!

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