Performance
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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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCaptures the exquisite beauty of color and light in a heart-lifting tale of ageing.
Thank you ??
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.
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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.
Thank you Linda! I may not have the age, but I have the aches and pains that stopped me skating, so it was quite a relatable piece for me 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI miss those days ?
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.
They look beautiful when the light hits them don’t they! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, 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.
Thank you Lotchie!
You’re welcome, Emily.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleEmily, 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.
Thank you Marianna! I completely agree, they are such a well of knowledge and experience that often goes unnoticed!
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.
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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!
Thank you so much Greene, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleVery 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.
Thank you Fuji!
I think anyone who has had a great passion for something like dancing, never really loses it. They feel it there in the little things long after they’ve stopped doing it themselves!
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.
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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.
It would be a lovely idea wouldn’t it!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleEmily, this story is so lovely and touching. It indeed captures the aftermath of ageing. Well done!
Thank you very much!
Congratulations on your very well deserved Public Vote win Emily. This story was truly beautiful, stirring many emotions 🙂
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Congratulations on your win, Emily.
Thank you Lotchie, and you as well!
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A well deserved win Emily, such a beautiful story.
Fantastic story, Emily. The use of color and light in this story is beautiful. Congratulations on the win!
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