The historic Emerson Ballet Theatre was scheduled for demolition two days before its 150th anniversary. Luxury apartments were to be the new showcase and my fame would be extinguished, like a burnt out star.

Darkness enfolded me behind closed curtains. For a moment, I imagined hearing the impending rumbles and reverberations of a wrecking ball as I poised center stage. But it was the audience, exploding with applause, shouting “encore!”.

A sinking heart prompted stinging tears but I held my head high as the plush curtains parted, my smile a swan song to the life that I loved.

    0 0 votes
    Post Rating
    9 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    10 months ago

    A story that really highlights the ‘putting on a brave face’ smile. It’s such a sad end for a building that has brought joy to so many and for the dancers whose time there is coming to an end. Nicely done

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    10 months ago

    Such sadness in your story, Heather. A smile that hides heartache. Beautifully written. I loved the picture and the link to Swan Lake and your protagonist’s swan song.

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    10 months ago

    So sad that historical buildings are replaced by flats. Heather, I enjoyed your play on the words “swan song” in your final sentence.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    10 months ago

    An emotional story. I most especially love the line, ‘my smile a swan song to the life that I loved’. If I may ask. What’s behind the swan song?

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    10 months ago

    An emotional read, Heather. I also love the last line. Lovely. 

    Recent Comments

    9
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!