Dance The Pain Away

by Jennessa Boutte-Martin
(Sacramento, CA)

The first time I danced
I didn't comprehend
As the steps got monotonous
And the dances sluggish
I was engulfed
In an agonizing frenzy

My dance
Extravagant
My feet
Exuding
My hips
Demolished
It felt so gratifying
Seemed so wonderful

They urged me to quit
They didn't understand
How could something so simple
Lessen me into a numb stupor

It consumed me
Swallowed me whole
An overwhelming oblivion
Impossible to escape

I fell in love with the pain
Not the dance